Uzbekistan Expresses Readiness to Invest in Afghanistan’s Transit Projects
In a meeting held in Kabul between Mohammad Isa Thani, Acting Minister of Public Works of the Taliban administration, and Jamshid Khodzhaev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, both sides emphasized the development of economic and transit cooperation between the two countries. The discussion focused on infrastructure projects and increasing trade exchanges.
According to Taliban officials, the meeting addressed setting a timeline to begin feasibility studies for the “Afghan Trans” railway project. Both parties stressed accelerating the progress of this regional initiative, which is considered a major railway connection project in the area and requires significant investment and multilateral coordination.
Expansion of the Torghundi port was another key topic. Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister expressed his country’s readiness to invest in developing the port, viewing it as a step toward strengthening trade and transit cooperation between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
The two sides also exchanged views on the Herat–Mazar-i-Sharif railway project, with Uzbekistan showing interest in participating. Discussions included increasing the volume of goods transported via the Hairatan port and providing greater facilities for merchants.
The meeting also reviewed the status of cargo transportation along the Salang Highway. The Acting Minister of Public Works claimed that major reconstruction work on this highway is progressing rapidly.
Mohammad Isa Thani further stated that the investment environment in Afghanistan has been prepared, allowing Uzbekistan to invest in various sectors in accordance with existing laws and regulations. The meeting concluded with both parties emphasizing the continuation of dialogues and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation.
Uzbekistan, one of Afghanistan’s northern neighbors, has in recent years focused on expanding railway and transit connectivity with Afghanistan. The Hairatan port remains one of the most important trade gateways between the two countries.
