First Political Consultations Held With Taliban, Says Uzbek FM
Bakhtiyor Saidov, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, has announced that he held the “first political consultations” with the Taliban during his recent visit to Kabul.
Bakhtiyor Saidov, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, has announced that he held the “first political consultations” with the Taliban during his recent visit to Kabul.
He emphasised Uzbekistan’s continued support for Afghanistan’s deeper integration into regional and global processes that promote peace, stability, and development.
On Thursday, Saidov shared photos of his meetings with senior Taliban officials, including Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, and the group’s Prime Minister, Mullah Hassan Akhund.
Saidov said the political consultations took place during his meeting with the Taliban’s foreign minister, though he did not provide further details. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s commitment to regional connectivity, shared water management, economic cooperation, educational support, and the cultural revival of Afghanistan.
Security Cooperation
During his Kabul visit, the Uzbek foreign minister held separate meetings with Taliban leaders. In his meeting with Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, Saidov said the two sides discussed growing cooperation in the fields of security, law enforcement, and regional stability. While he did not elaborate, he acknowledged concerns over the infiltration of extremist groups and drug trafficking, particularly along the country's 144-kilometre shared border.
Writing on X (formerly Twitter), Saidov said he commended the Taliban’s Interior Ministry for “significant improvements” in Afghanistan’s overall security situation and efforts to combat drug production.
Economic Cooperation
Expanding economic ties was another major focus of Saidov’s visit. He confirmed that he discussed trade, humanitarian cooperation, and economic engagement with Taliban Prime Minister Mullah Hassan Akhund.
Saidov highlighted the signing of the Trans-Afghan Railway feasibility study agreement between Uzbekistan, the Taliban, and Pakistan, calling it a vital step toward Afghanistan’s regional integration. The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry previously confirmed that the agreement had been signed by the Taliban’s Ministry of Public Works, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Transport, and Pakistan’s Ministry of Railways.
Amir Khan Muttaqi described the project as more than a transit corridor, calling it one of the first steps toward strategic connectivity. Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, who also attended the signing, said the agreement, linking Central Asia to Pakistani ports via Afghanistan, was the outcome of intensive negotiations and sustained engagement.
Dar noted that the proposed Uzbekistan–Afghanistan–Pakistan railway is expected to create a new corridor for trade between Central and South Asia, significantly contributing to regional commerce and economic growth.
Saidov also stated that Uzbekistan is prepared to strengthen cooperation with Afghanistan in infrastructure, transport, energy, and education. He added that Afghanistan should serve as a bridge between Central and South Asia.
Invitation to Taliban Prime Minister
Hamidullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson for the Taliban administration, provided additional details of the meeting between Saidov and Mullah Hassan Akhund on X.
According to Fitrat, the Uzbek foreign minister extended a formal invitation to the Taliban prime minister to visit Uzbekistan. Citing Saidov, he added that hundreds of meetings have already taken place between Uzbekistan and the Taliban, reflecting strong ties between the two sides.
The Taliban prime minister was quoted as saying that Uzbekistan understands problems are best resolved through dialogue and engagement, and has therefore adopted a “constructive approach” to its relationship with the Taliban.
Despite deepening political and economic ties, Tashkent has not formally recognised the Taliban government.
