KABUL (Pajhwok): Direct flights need to be initiated between Kabul and Astana to enhance bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan, says the acting foreign minister.
During a meeting with Kazakh Deputy Premier Serik Zhumangarin here on Wednesday, FM Amir Khan Muttaqi floated the suggestion for direct flights between Kabul and Astana.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement the two sides discussed bilateral political, economic and trade ties, as well as Kazakhstan’s investment in Afghanistan.
Muttaqi believed economic, transit and trade relations between the two countries were improving. Afghanistan desired to further strengthen these ties.
He hoped Kazakhstan would invest in Afghanistan’s mining, railway and power sectors.
He also called on Astana to jack up diplomatic links with Kabul, underlining the need for launching direct flights between the capitals of the two nations.
According to the statement, Zhumangarin said the Kabul-Astana relations were improving and Afghanistan's exports to Kazakhstan had tripled.
He was optimistic of direct Kabul-Astana flights starting in the near future.
During this trip, Zhumangarin will participate in the inaugural ceremony for a three-day Afghanistan-Kazakhstan exhibition in Kabul.
aw/mud
