Astana meeting: Afghanistan shifts from threat to economic, transit opportunity

KABUL(Pajhwok): At a meeting of the Central Asian Contact Group in Astana, participants emphasized that the regional perception of Afghanistan has shifted from viewing it as a security threat to recognizing it as an economic and transit opportunity, with the potential to serve as a bridge between Central and South Asia.

Kazakhstan’s capital hosted an extraordinary session of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives of Central Asian Countries on Afghanistan, where trade, economic cooperation, and transit connectivity topped the agenda.

According to The Astana Times, representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan attended the meeting.

Yerkin Tokumov, Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan, described the agenda as highly significant both substantively and strategically.

He noted that although Kazakhstan—like much of the international community—has not formally recognized the Islamic Emirate, Astana continues to engage with Afghanistan in the fields of trade, economic cooperation, and humanitarian assistance.

“Humanitarian aid is especially important,” Tokumov said, adding that Kazakhstan has consistently provided assistance, including flour, tents, and food supplies during emergencies.

From an economic standpoint, he described Afghanistan’s population of approximately 45 million as a promising market.

He also underscored Afghanistan’s strategic value as a transit corridor for Kazakhstan, a landlocked country seeking access to the Indian Ocean.

“Kazakhstan’s perception of Afghanistan is changing,” he said. “In the past, we viewed Afghanistan solely through the lens of security threats. Today, we also see economic opportunities.”

Turdakun Sydykov, Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, said his country views the Astana meeting and continued dialogue within the Contact Group framework as vital for addressing Afghanistan-related issues.

“The primary focus is on reviewing trade, economic, and transport projects,” he told reporters, “as their implementation is essential for ensuring a peaceful and stable future for Afghanistan and the broader region.”

Ismatilla Ergashev, Special Representative of the President of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, said Central Asian countries may soon move toward implementing joint projects in Afghanistan, describing the country as a land bridge between Central and South Asia.

Highlighting growing economic ties, he noted that Uzbekistan’s trade volume with Afghanistan reached nearly $1.7 billion last year.

He added that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have elevated Afghanistan to the status of an important trading partner.

“We are all aware of the existing challenges,” he said, “and that is why we want to exchange views and coordinate our efforts to ensure regional security.”

He emphasized that regional powers should take a leading role in shaping approaches toward Afghanistan’s market.

He added that, from this perspective, the work of the Contact Group is particularly significant, as it aligns with broader strategic agreements reached by Central Asian leaders.

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