Kabul trilateral talks stress regional growth, integration

KABUL (Pajhwok): The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan convened in Kabul to reinforce regional cooperation, emphasizing political unity, economic connectivity and the development of mutually beneficial trade ties.

They emphasized the need to strengthen ties among the three nations, promote regional stability, enhance economic connectivity, and expand joint trade.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA), Acting Foreign Minister Maulvi Amir Khan Muttaqi hosted the meeting with his Uzbek and Pakistani counterparts.

The gathering took place ahead of the signing of a feasibility study agreement for the Trans-Afghan Railway project.

During the meeting, the three sides reiterated their commitment to fostering strong diplomatic relations and leveraging regional cooperation to unlock the region’s full potential for lasting prosperity.

Muttaqi highlighted that the Trans-Afghan Railway would not only boost regional connectivity but also serve the shared economic and strategic interests of all three countries.

He noted that the success of the project depends on sincere, sustained, and collaborative efforts, as it entails mutual benefits and shared responsibilities.

The statement added that the foreign ministers of Uzbekistan and Pakistan reaffirmed their governments’ full support for Afghanistan’s long-term stability, economic development, and regional connectivity initiatives. They also recognized Afghanistan’s potential role as a key hub for connecting the broader region.

At the conclusion of the meeting, participants stressed the importance of continuing trilateral political consultations to further deepen cooperation.

The meeting followed the signing of the feasibility study agreement for the Trans-Afghan Railway by Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Uzbekistan a day earlier.

sa