Uzbekistan – Afghanistan: Government to government diplomacy

The official visit of Mullah Abdul Ghani Barodar raised relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to an unprecedented new level. Despite the recent diplomatic statement from the Taliban about returning American-made military helicopters to the United States, the relationship is actually still developing at a high level, indicating significant progress and cooperation between the involved parties. 

Oʻzbekiston "Tolibon" hukumati bilan iqtisodiy aloqalarini kuchaytirmoqda — Firdavs Azimqulov

Oʻzbekiston "Tolibon" hukumati bilan iqtisodiy aloqalarini kuchaytirmoqda — Firdavs Azimqulov

Under current global dynamics, Uzbekistan calls on the world community to develop a unified strategy towards Afghanistan. However, for one reason or another, the world community does not pay serious attention to the issue of Afghanistan. In such conditions, Uzbekistan seeks to develop relations at the bilateral level. Now relations are acquiring diplomacy at the government level. 

On February 22-23, a delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Barodar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, arrived in Tashkent. While Uzbekistan has not formally recognized the Taliban government, its engagement exemplifies a regional trend of de facto normalization.  

For instance, the visiting Taliban officials were welcomed at the airport by their previously appointed ambassador Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Bahr. Appointing the ambassador was a rare diplomatic achievement, which only occurred with the UAE and China. 

This recent visit of Taliban envoys might be a strategic political response for Abdulla Aripov, the Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, visiting Kabul on 2024, 17 Aug, which is the first highest-level visit by a foreign official since the Taliban returned to power. In Kabul, Abdulla Aripov and Taliban officials secured $2.5 billion worth of trade and investment deals. Given the recent discussions between Jamshid Khodjaev, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Trade and Investment, and Taliban delegates, it is likely that this figure will continue to grow. 

Mullah Abdul Ghani Barodar called on Uzbekistan’s central bank to provide banking assistance to strengthen commercial ties between the two countries. He also proposed the use of national currencies in mutual trade to streamline financial transactions. 

In addition, Uzbek officials stated that they are prepared to establish a joint commercial zone with the Emirate, primarily focused on manufacturing and transporting pine nuts, cotton, and consumer goods. 

Beyond trade, Uzbekistan has also expressed willingness to invest in Afghanistan’s natural resources, including establishing a cement factory in Samangan province and initiating the Toti Maidan gas field project. Another key focus of recent discussions has been the '500 kV power transmission' project, which has now been revised to a lower cost of $222 million, down from the original $252 million. The majority of energy transmission will be from Surkhan, Uzbekistan to the Dasht-E Alwan area in Afghanistan. 

Mullah Abdul Ghani Barodar emphasized the importance of expediting such types of projects. He has been assuring the Uzbek side that the Islamic Emirate would provide full support for their successful implementation, such as pledging to ease the restrictions related to licensing and visa processing; economic and trade activities, and dispatch engineers to analyze the feasibility of the Afghan-Trans initiative. A comprehensive exchange of views took place on further expanding the partnership and its consistent development in trade and economic, energy, transport, and other sectors. 

Taliban government would be able to achieve its legitimacy and recognition in the global arena through economic joint initiatives and obtaining economic, and geopolitical weight in the global interdependency zone. Mullah Abdul Ghani Barodar during his visit, met with Afghan investors and businessmen living in Uzbekistan. Uzbek and Afghan investors have been keen on investing in firms, and infrastructures in each other's territory. 

This was evident in the efforts of Afghan investors residing in Uzbekistan to increase their investment in Afghanistan up to $100 million. Moreover, bilateral diplomacy between the two governments further enhanced its leverage when Uzbekistan was the first country to officially raise the flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan alongside the national flag of Uzbekistan during the visit of a delegation. This gesture, symbolizing growing diplomatic acceptance, reflects Uzbekistan’s pragmatic approach to regional stability and economic cooperation with Afghanistan.

To conclude, the recent visit by Taliban delegates to Uzbekistan has deepened intergovernmental ties and set the stage for more integrated regional cooperation. Although those activities will support the integration of two border nations, this growing cooperation could also intensify competition among major regional players China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran toward the Afghan government as an economic and political partner. 

Firdavs Azimkuov

Politics

04.03.2025, 12:38

Share:

Similar news

Являются ли действия Талибана в Бадахшане частью их внешнеполитической тактики?

Are the Taliban's actions in Badakhshan part of their foreign policy tactics?

In August 2025, it will be four years since the Taliban came to power in Kabul. The initial focus of the Taliban after coming to power was on establishing centralized authority in the country, halting poppy bean cultivation, and attempting to govern the country based on Sharia law. The new government also aims to improve the socio-economic situation in the country, pursue stable and pragmatic policies with neighboring states, and achieve international recognition. 

World

15.07.2025, 10:57

Afghanistan on the Geopolitical Chessboard of the Middle East

Afghanistan on the Geopolitical Chessboard of the Middle East

Against the backdrop of this dangerous crisis, with the international community’s attention focused on the direct participants in the conflict, Gaza, Libya, and Syria, it is appropriate to turn attention to Afghanistan, which, despite its peripheral position relative to the region, is also becoming involved in these processes. Israel and Iran seek to expand their spheres of influence both ideologically and strategically. In this context, South and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, are becoming key zones of geopolitical rivalry, especially for Iran.

World

01.07.2025, 13:07

Kazakistan and Afganistan

What are Kazakhstan's ambitions regarding Afghanistan?

From April 21 to 23, 2025, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, paid an official visit to Kabul, the capital of the Taliban government, where he held a meeting with the Deputy Head of the Afghan Government, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar. As a result of the visit, approximately 20 agreements were signed with a total value of $140 million, marking a significant step in the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

Economy

29.04.2025, 15:53

Latest news

Qirgʻizistondan 5,2 mlrd soʻmlik tilla buyumlarni noqonuniy olib kelgan shaxs ushlandi

Man Caught Smuggling 5.2 Billion UZS Worth of Gold Jewelry from Kyrgyzstan into Uzbekistan

An Uzbek citizen has been detained while attempting to smuggle gold jewelry valued at over 5.2 billion UZS (approx. $410,000) into Uzbekistan from Kyrgyzstan, according to a report by the State Security Service.

Uzbekistan

18.07.2025, 10:07

Являются ли действия Талибана в Бадахшане частью их внешнеполитической тактики?

Are the Taliban's actions in Badakhshan part of their foreign policy tactics?

In August 2025, it will be four years since the Taliban came to power in Kabul. The initial focus of the Taliban after coming to power was on establishing centralized authority in the country, halting poppy bean cultivation, and attempting to govern the country based on Sharia law. The new government also aims to improve the socio-economic situation in the country, pursue stable and pragmatic policies with neighboring states, and achieve international recognition. 

World

15.07.2025, 10:57

Иран и Афганистан: новая волна депортации

Iran and Afghanistan: A New Wave of Deportations

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 256,000 people returned from Iran to Afghanistan in June alone. Moreover, this number is expected to increase further in July. Large-scale deportations could severely damage Afghanistan’s economy and social structure.

Politics

11.07.2025, 12:20

Afghanistan on the Geopolitical Chessboard of the Middle East

Afghanistan on the Geopolitical Chessboard of the Middle East

Against the backdrop of this dangerous crisis, with the international community’s attention focused on the direct participants in the conflict, Gaza, Libya, and Syria, it is appropriate to turn attention to Afghanistan, which, despite its peripheral position relative to the region, is also becoming involved in these processes. Israel and Iran seek to expand their spheres of influence both ideologically and strategically. In this context, South and Central Asia, including Afghanistan, are becoming key zones of geopolitical rivalry, especially for Iran.

World

01.07.2025, 13:07

Влияние националистической политики Индии на внутреннюю политическую стабильность и территориальную  целостность

The Impact of India’s Nationalist Policy on Domestic Political Stability and Territorial Integrity

In the modern era, nationalist sentiment in India has significantly intensified. In particular, representatives of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which retained power in the April–May 2024 elections, are actively contributing to the further strengthening of this nationalist mood. On one hand, the rise of this nationalist policy is bringing India closer to states that are implementing similar systems — such as the United States, many European countries, and Israel — thereby fostering stronger alliances. 

Politics

30.06.2025, 11:38

Embassy Statement: The U.S. and Israel Bear Full Responsibility for All Such Conflicts

Embassy Statement: The U.S. and Israel Bear Full Responsibility for All Such Conflicts

On June 13 of this year, Israel launched a military operation called "Rising Lion" against Iran, marking the beginning of escalated tensions between the two nations in the Middle East. The subsequent involvement of the United States further exacerbated the already complex situation.

Politics

25.06.2025, 13:18

Trump Calls for Iran’s Unconditional Surrender – NYT

Trump Calls for Iran’s Unconditional Surrender – NYT

U.S. President Donald Trump, in social media posts, hinted at the possible killing of Iran’s supreme leader and called for Iran’s "unconditional surrender." This signals that the United States may join the war alongside Israel. The New York Times reported the developments.

World

18.06.2025, 00:53

G7 Fully Supports Israel – Media Reports

G7 Fully Supports Israel – Media Reports

On June 16, the Group of Seven (G7) countries jointly announced their full support for Israel and labeled Iran as a source of instability in the Middle East. The G7 leaders also called for de-escalation between the two nations. This was reported by Reuters news agency. 

World

17.06.2025, 14:44

NATO va AQSh tark etgan Afgʻonistonda Oʻzbekiston yangi strategiyani amalga oshirmoqda

In Afghanistan, Abandoned by NATO and the U.S., Uzbekistan Implements a New Strategy

After the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan, NATO and U.S. forces withdrew from the country. Following their departure, Central Asian neighbors, as well as Iran, China, and Russia, began seeking closer engagement with Afghanistan. Uzbekistan’s former ambassador to the U.S. and head of the International Institute for Central Asia in Tashkent, Javlon Vakhabov, described Uzbekistan's rapprochement with Afghanistan as “stability.” This analysis was published by Oilprice.com.

Politics

09.06.2025, 15:47

AQShning Janubiy va Markaziy Osiyo boʻyicha byuroning katta masʼul xodimi Erik Mayer Oʻzbekistonga keladi

Eric Meyer, Senior Official of the U.S. Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, to Visit Uzbekista

On June 9–10, Eric Meyer, a senior official from the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, will be in Uzbekistan. This was reported by the press service of the U.S. Embassy in Uzbekistan.

Politics

09.06.2025, 13:53

Do Human Rights in Uzbekistan No Longer Matter to Europe?

Do Human Rights in Uzbekistan No Longer Matter to Europe?

Since the start of the Russia–Ukraine war, several European Union countries have shown a significantly increased interest in Central Asia, particularly Uzbekistan. This shift signals a change in the region’s geopolitical balance as well as a new direction in the EU’s foreign policy strategy.

Politics

05.06.2025, 16:22

Jahon banki yana Oʻzbekistonga imtiyozli kredit ajratdi

World Bank Allocates Another Concessional Loan to Uzbekistan

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors has approved a concessional loan of $35 million to improve the use of geospatial data in Uzbekistan.

Economy

21.05.2025, 09:51