Afghanistan Contact Group to Meet in Astana; Focus on Regional Cooperation, Humanitarian Crisis

DID Press: The next meeting of the Afghanistan Contact Group, composed of special representatives from countries engaged in Afghanistan affairs, will be held on February 16, 2026 in Astana, announced Kazakhstan’s embassy in Uzbekistan. The session will focus on Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian situation and its role in regional cooperation.

According to the announcement, the timing and agenda of the meeting were discussed during a recent meeting between Ismatullah Irgashov, Uzbekistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, and Beybut Atamkulov, Kazakhstan’s ambassador in Tashkent. They exchanged views on Afghanistan’s latest economic developments, humanitarian conditions, and ongoing challenges.

The discussion also highlighted the objectives of the upcoming Contact Group meeting, including regional coordination for managing the humanitarian crisis and strengthening economic cooperation with Afghanistan. Kazakh and Uzbek officials emphasized that integrating Afghanistan into Central Asia’s trade and economic structures is a key prerequisite for lasting regional stability and economic development. They warned that ignoring Afghanistan’s transit and economic potential could have broad security and economic repercussions for the region.

Over three years after the Taliban’s return to power, Central Asian countries—especially Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan—have adopted a pragmatic, risk-managed approach toward Afghanistan. While neither country formally recognizes the Taliban government, official and unofficial interactions with Kabul have increased significantly.