Mirziyoyev: Uzbekistan Will Continue Its ‘Constructive’ Policy Toward Afghanistan

DID Press: Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has described Afghanistan as a “close neighbor” and reaffirmed Tashkent’s commitment to continuing what he called a “constructive and resolute” policy toward Kabul.

Speaking at celebrations marking the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s independence, Mirziyoyev said his country’s foreign policy would continue to be based on good-neighborly relations, regional cooperation and the expansion of economic ties with countries across the region.

While he did not provide further details about Tashkent’s future plans regarding the Taliban administration, his emphasis on maintaining the policy indicates that Afghanistan continues to hold an important place in Uzbekistan’s regional strategy.

Uzbekistan has expanded its economic and political engagement with the Taliban in recent years and has supported regional connectivity projects linking Central Asia with South Asia. Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban government, Tashkent maintains extensive practical and economic relations with the authorities in Kabul.

According to reported figures, trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan reached approximately $1 billion during the first six months of the current year. The two countries also cooperate in the fields of energy, transportation and regional trade.