Uzbekistan and Afghanistan extended the contract for the continued operation of the Hairatan — Mazar-i-Sharif railway. A subsidiary of Uzbekistan Railways will remain the operator of the line.
Doctors of Uzbekistan, who arrived in Afghanistan’s Balkh province aboard the “health train”, conducted medical examinations of over 1,300 residents in three days. Photos.
Uzbekistan sent humanitarian aid, including food and medicine, along with a “health train” to Afghanistan, where doctors will provide free medical check-ups for residents of Balkh province.
Companies of Uzbekistan and Afghanistan extended an agreement for electricity supplies to Afghanistan in 2025. Energy minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov also addressed the construction of the Surkhan-Puli-Khumri power transmission line in Afghanistan.
Foreign Ministry of Uzbekistan said it has not received any requests from Afghanistan’s interim government to cancel concerts and events featuring musical performances at Termez international trade centre on the border.
Minister of foreign affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov received the new ambassador of Afghanistan to Uzbekistan Abdul Ghafar Terawi. The sides discussed strengthening relations between the countries, realizing untapped potential, and developing new projects.
Russian President Vladimir Putin thanked President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for Uzbekistan’s stance regarding Russia’s actions in Ukraine, noting that the policy “has a clearly expressed, such a neutral character, and is very balanced”.
Termez international trade center, a free trade zone, will accept payments in US dollars, euros, Chinese yuan and Russian rubles. Foreign visitors will be able to stay at the center’s territory without an entry visa for up to 15 days.
President of Uzbekistan encouraged foreign investors to participate in projects for the joint construction of hydroelectric power plants in neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, as well as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan and Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan railroads.
Defense Ministry of Uzbekistan refuted a circulating social media post claiming that an Afghan military helicopter was dislodged on the border between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. “These reports are unfounded,” stated the Defense Ministry.
Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov held talks with leadership of Afghanistan in Kabul. They discussed development of trade, transit, investments in Afghanistan, cooperation in use of water resources and other matters. Photos.
China replaced Russia as Uzbekistan’s primary trading partner in 2023. Trade with both countries increased, with growing imports to Uzbekistan and decreasing exports. At the same time, trade with neighboring Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan declined.
Head of the State Security Service of Uzbekistan Abdusalom Azizov met with acting Defense Minister of Afghanistan Mohammad Yaqoob to discuss border issues and strengthening of bilateral relations.
Uzbekistan dispatched humanitarian aid to Afghanistan with 185 tonnes of food assistance, comprising flour, wheat, vegetable oil, pasta, canned goods, sugar, and instant food items during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Group of Seven (G7) foreign ministers have committed to collaborating on Central Asian challenges, such as the fallout from Russia’s aggression, Afghanistan’s destabilization, and food and energy insecurity, among other issues at their recent meeting in Japan.
Foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours met in Samarkand, addressing the nation’s complex situation and emphasizing the need for economic projects, infrastructure development, and regional collaboration to counter terrorism and narcotics trafficking for a peaceful future.
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