Taliban, Uzbekistan Expand Talks on Agricultural Cooperation

DID Press: Taliban officials and Uzbekistan have discussed expanding cooperation in agriculture, irrigation, and livestock development, with both sides expressing interest in increasing investment and launching joint projects aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Mawlawi Ataullah Omari, the Taliban’s acting minister of agriculture, irrigation and livestock, met with Jamshid Khodjayev, Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister, during the latter’s visit to Kabul at the head of a high-level delegation. The Taliban’s ambassador to Uzbekistan also attended the meeting.

According to Taliban officials, the talks focused on expanding bilateral relations, promoting investment opportunities in agriculture, livestock, and irrigation, enhancing economic cooperation, and implementing joint development projects.

Omari outlined Afghanistan’s agricultural potential and invited the Uzbek government and private sector to invest in agricultural production, livestock farming, and irrigation infrastructure.

Khodjayev reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s interest in investing in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector and farm machinery, noting that his country imports and requires Afghan agricultural products, including cotton, potatoes, and other farm produce. He also expressed readiness to cooperate on production, processing, and joint agricultural initiatives.

At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides agreed to establish a joint technical committee to review and implement the proposals discussed, with the aim of expanding agricultural cooperation between the two neighboring countries.