Uzbekistan: Central Asia’s Practical Engagement With Afghanistan to Continue Through 2035

DID Press: Uzbekistan says Central Asian countries will maintain their pragmatic approach toward Afghanistan through 2035, focusing on regional cooperation in trade, transit, energy, and connectivity without moving toward formal recognition of the Taliban administration.

Speaking at the “Eurasian Security 2035” session on the sidelines of the Primakov Readings forum in Moscow, Javlon Vakhabov said Afghanistan will remain an important component of regional cooperation plans over the next decade.

Vakhabov stated that existing cooperation mechanisms in Central Asia are expected to become deeper, more institutionalized, and more practical by 2035, with Afghanistan playing a role in a range of regional initiatives.

According to him, future cooperation will focus on security, regional connectivity, economic resilience, border management, water resources, energy cooperation, and engagement with international partners.

The Uzbek official emphasized that these regional frameworks are not directed against any country or actor. Instead, he said, they are designed to preserve balance, reduce the risk of confrontation, and strengthen stability across the Eurasian region.

His remarks reflect the growing preference among Central Asian states for practical engagement with Afghanistan on economic and security issues while avoiding the question of formal diplomatic recognition of the Taliban government.