Central Asian Countries Seek Unified Strategy Toward Afghanistan

Representatives from Central Asian countries stated at the sidelines of an extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group in Astana that they are pursuing a unified strategy toward Afghanistan. They emphasized viewing Afghanistan not merely as a threat but as an opportunity to access South Asian markets.

The meeting of special representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan on Afghanistan took place on Feb. 17 in Astana, Kazakhstan's capital. Key agenda items included trade and economic relations, transit issues, and coordinating regional approaches.

Yerkyn Tukumov, Kazakhstan's special representative for Afghanistan, described the agenda as both substantively rich and strategically important. He said the meetings aim to help Central Asian countries form a common stance, covering trade, economic relations, and transit matters, with a focus on coordinating approaches to Afghanistan.

Tukumov noted that Kazakhstan, like much of the international community, has not recognized the Taliban administration but maintains engagement in commercial, economic, and humanitarian spheres. He highlighted Kazakhstan's humanitarian aid, including flour, tents, and food during emergencies, as well as accepting Afghan students in universities and sending medical aid last year for the first time.

Describing Afghanistan's 45 million population as a "promising" market and a key transit corridor, Tukumov pointed to the lack of efficient rail networks as a major obstacle, with only the short Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif line operational. He stressed Central Asia's need for reliable access to the Indian Ocean and ports in India, noting low trade volumes despite proximity to markets in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan totaling nearly 2 billion people.

Tukumov said Kazakhstan's view of Afghanistan is changing: previously seen only as a threat, it is now also an opportunity, though risks remain.

Tordakun Sidikov, Kyrgyzstan's ambassador to Afghanistan, called the Astana meeting and regular Contact Group talks vital for addressing Afghanistan-related issues, focusing on trade, economic, and transport projects essential for regional peace and stability.

Ismoilallah Ergashov, Uzbekistan's special representative, said Central Asian countries may soon pursue joint projects in Afghanistan, viewing it as a potential bridge to South Asia. He reported Uzbekistan's trade with Afghanistan reached nearly $1.7 billion last year.