Uzbekistan and Taliban delegations hold meeting on strategic goals

Javlon Vohabov, head of the Strategic Studies Center at Uzbekistan's Foreign Ministry, led a delegation that met with counterparts from the Taliban's Foreign Ministry Strategic Studies Center in Kabul to discuss "strategic goals."

The Taliban delegation was headed by Abdul Hai Qant, the Taliban's appointed director of the center. Vohabov stated on X that key discussion points included how the two research organizations could cooperate to advance shared agendas for Uzbekistan-Afghanistan engagement and fill them with substantive content across all aspects.

The sides also addressed ways to boost public awareness of current dynamics in both countries and the broader region by enhancing understanding, shifting attitudes, and promoting actions. Vohabov expressed anticipation for transforming the long-term strategic goals discussed into practical initiatives next year.

He did not provide details on the specific common strategic goals with the Taliban. The Taliban has not commented on the meeting.

Uzbekistan, a neighbor of Afghanistan, has maintained close ties with the Taliban alongside Iran since their takeover. Although Tashkent has not formally recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government, Uzbek delegations and officials have visited Kabul in recent years, and Uzbekistan has accepted a Taliban ambassador.