Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said regional peace and stability in Central Asia depend heavily on Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development, arguing that long-term stability is unattainable without addressing Afghanistan’s challenges.
summit of Central Asian leaders in Tashkent, Mirziyoyev wrote that Afghanistan is not a marginal region but a natural part of Central Asia'sshared region. He said the people of Afghanistan continue to face a deep humanitarian crisis.
The president stressed the importance of Afghanistan’s continued involvement in regional and international processes.
Mirziyoyev, whose government maintains broad economic and diplomatic relations with the Taliban, highlighted the significance of the planned Afghan–Trans railway, which is expected to become a key transport link between Central and South Asia. He said the project would create new opportunities for trade, investment and transport connectivity and serve as a foundation for Afghanistan’s economic revival.
He said Uzbekistan is continuing work to provide humanitarian and educational assistance to Afghans, expand cooperation in the energy sector and train specialists for key economic fields.
Mirziyoyev said Afghanistan should form part of a shared space of peace, security, cooperation and development that serves the interests of all regional states and helps build a stable security belt along Central Asia’s southern borders.
Despite Uzbekistan’s close engagement with the Taliban, Central Asian governments remain concerned about security threats emanating from Afghanistan, including the presence of ISIS affiliates and other radical groups.
In October, Mirziyoyev proposed that Russia and Central Asian nations hold high-level consultations on Afghanistan, saying the agenda could include security cooperation and economic projects aimed at ensuring stability and development.
Russia is the only country that has formally recognised the Taliban.
