Kazakhstan Seeking to Expand Economic Influence in Afghanistan

DID Press: Kazakhstan’s special presidential envoy announced plans to connect Afghanistan’s railway network to Kazakhstan and invest in modern hospitals and schools during a visit to Balkh province.

Yerkin Tokumov, Kazakhstan’s Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan, met with Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, the Taliban-appointed governor of Balkh, to discuss economic and infrastructural cooperation.

Tokumov described the security situation in Afghanistan as “reliable and satisfactory” and said that Kazakhstan intends to link Afghanistan’s railway network to its own via the Hairatan port. He emphasized that the project could strengthen regional transit routes and facilitate faster and more efficient trade.

The envoy also highlighted Kazakhstan’s readiness to invest in constructing fully equipped hospitals and modern educational institutions, noting that Astana seeks a more active role in developing Afghanistan’s healthcare and education infrastructure.

Governor Wafa welcomed Kazakhstan’s proposals, describing economic cooperation between the two countries as mutually beneficial and stating that stronger ties with Kazakhstan could enhance regional trade and development.