A senior delegation from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, held a press conference today to share the outcomes of their recent two-day visit to Uzbekistan.
During the visit, the delegation engaged in significant discussions with Uzbek officials, focusing on various sectors including trade, electricity, transport, agriculture, and railways.
Deputy PM Mullah Baradar highlighted that the talks resulted in key commitments, particularly concerning the transfer of a 500kV electricity line to Afghanistan. This negotiation successfully reduced the contract value from $252 million to $222 million.
Moreover, the Uzbek authorities agreed to conduct studies on the railway line from Hairatan Port to Herat, with practical work set to commence ten days following the completion of these studies. The discussions also included promises to increase the electricity supply to Afghanistan during the summer months and to lower tariffs, as well as to lift restrictions on Afghan agricultural exports.
Acting Minister of Industry and Commerce Nooruddin Azizi described the visit as highly productive, noting that the delegation held seven essential meetings with Uzbek officials. These discussions aimed to enhance trade relations and banking connections, facilitating smoother business transactions between the two nations.
Azizi further mentioned that the Afghan delegation sought support for increasing export levels, exempting Afghan products from customs duties, and organizing exhibitions, with Uzbek officials pledging full cooperation in these efforts.
The delegation included several high-ranking officials, such as the Acting Ministers of Mines and Petroleum, Transport and Aviation, and Agriculture, as well as representatives from various sectoral agencies. They returned to Kabul this afternoon, optimistic about the strengthened ties and future collaboration between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
