Uzbek Official Says Afghanistan Can Become 'Connecting Bridge' Between Asia and Russia

TERMIZ, Uzbekistan — Eldor Aripov, head of the Institute of Strategic and Interregional Studies affiliated with the Uzbekistan Presidency, stated that Afghanistan has the capacity to become a "connecting bridge" between Central and South Asia and Russia.

Aripov made the remarks in an interview with Russian media outlet Vesti on the sidelines of a Valdai meeting in the southern Uzbek city of Termez. He highlighted Afghanistan's changing geopolitical role, which could foster new transit routes and transform the country from a "region of clashing interests" into a passage for economic cooperation.

Such developments would benefit Uzbekistan, Central Asia and Russia, Aripov said, by enabling Russia to gain direct access to markets in Pakistan and India.

Experts at the Valdai meeting also discussed Afghanistan's possible position within Eurasia's new security architecture, according to Aripov.

Aripov's comments reflect growing regional interest in Afghanistan's potential as a transit hub amid shifting geopolitical dynamics in Central Asia.