KABUL (Pajhwok): A delegation of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works attended the 40th OSJD railway conference in Kazakhstan, holding talks on expanding transit routes, boosting regional cooperation and increasing export and transport capacity.
The Ministry of Public Works (MoPW) says a delegation led by the deputy head of the railway department participated in the 40th conference of the Organization for Cooperation of Railways (OSJD), held in Kazakhstan and held meetings with officials from Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan, focusing on enhancing the capacity of Hairatan and Torghundi ports, expanding regional transport, and strengthening trade relations.
The ministry stated on its X page that the 40th OSJD conference was held from April 20 to 24, 2026, in Astana, Kazakhstan, with the participation of railway officials, technical experts, and representatives of several international organizations from various countries.
According to the source, the deputy minister for railways at the Ministry of Public Works, Mawlawi Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, led the Afghan delegation and represented the Islamic Emirate at the conference, also holding several important sideline meetings.
The conference discussed and exchanged views on expanding railway cooperation between countries, improving transit corridors, facilitating trade, introducing modern technology, and strengthening railway systems, aiming to accelerate and simplify the transport of goods between Asia and Europe.
On the sidelines, the deputy head of railways held separate meetings with the head of Kazakhstan Railways, the deputy minister of transport of Kazakhstan, and the head of Azerbaijan Railways.
The delegation also visited several factories producing railway equipment and machinery.
During these meetings, discussions focused on increasing the capacity of Hairatan and Torghundi ports and expanding joint transport via Tajikistan’s Sher Khan Bandar.
In addition, participants emphasized strengthening regional transit cooperation, increasing transport volumes, and expanding trade relations.
The conference also stressed boosting rail transport, activating new routes, and positively assessed the growth of Afghanistan’s exports.
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