Mohammad Essa Sani, the Taliban’s Minister of Public Works, has informed the Chinese ambassador in Kabul that the review process for the Wakhan Corridor has been completed, with design work currently underway.
Sani emphasised that Afghanistan is fully prepared to commence practical work on the Afghan-Trans railway project, a key infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting regional connectivity.
Strategic Discussions on Wakhan Corridor and Afghan-Trans Railway
During a meeting with the Chinese ambassador on Saturday, discussions focused on the Wakhan Corridor and the Afghan-Trans project. A statement from the Ministry of Public Works noted that both sides had agreed to continue cooperation and engage in further dialogue regarding the corridor’s development.
The Wakhan Corridor, situated in the Pamir Mountains of Badakhshan, is a strategic passage connecting Afghanistan with China, Tajikistan, and Pakistan. It serves as Afghanistan’s only land link to China’s Xinjiang region.
The Taliban have repeatedly underscored the importance of constructing a road through the Wakhan Corridor to enhance trade and connectivity with China. However, Chinese officials have expressed security concerns, which have so far delayed the project’s implementation.
Progress on Afghan-Trans Railway Project
In addition to discussing the Wakhan Corridor, Sani reaffirmed Afghanistan’s full readiness to proceed with the Afghan-Trans railway project. This initiative involves the construction of a 537-kilometre railway, linking Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. It is regarded as a key corridor for trade and transportation, facilitating the movement of goods between Central Asia, South Asia, Russia, and Europe.
Uzbekistan’s Minister of Transport previously stated that construction on the project is set to begin this year. The Uzbekistan Transport Design and Research Institute has estimated the project’s cost at over $4.6 billion, while Pakistan has projected the cost at $8.2 billion.
