Kazakhstan’s High-Level Delegation Arrives in Kabul for Afghan-Kazakh Trade Forum
A delegation from Kazakhstan, headed by Serik Zhumangarin, the country’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy, has arrived in Kabul to participate in the Afghan-Kazakh Trade and Economic Forum and to hold an exhibition showcasing Kazakh products. The Taliban’s Ministry of Industry and Trade stated that this visit focuses on expanding economic cooperation between the two sides.
According to the ministry, the main objectives of the program include developing economic relations, facilitating trade between the private sectors of both countries, and providing marketing opportunities for Kazakh goods in Afghan markets. Meetings between businessmen and investors are also scheduled to take place on the sidelines of the forum.
Despite these interactions, Kazakhstan has not officially recognized the Taliban administration as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. Like many other countries, it has maintained limited and conditional cooperation with the Taliban. In June 2024, Astana removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a move that paved the way for more formal economic contacts.
The Taliban administration claims that Kazakhstan seeks to expand cooperation in all fields, but the ongoing lack of international legitimacy and existing political restrictions continue to overshadow the scope and quality of these relations — a factor that casts uncertainty over the future of economic collaboration.
