The Kabul Tribune (KT) — The Taliban’s administrative deputy prime minister Abdul Salam Hanafi met with Amanbay Orynbaev, head of the parliament of Karakalpakstan, and his accompanying delegation in Kabul, with both sides emphasizing the need to strengthen trade, investment and bilateral cooperation.
According to a statement from the Taliban-run prime minister’s office, the meeting was held on Saturday, May 9.
Hanafi said Afghanistan and Uzbekistan share deep religious, historical, cultural and social ties that should be further expanded. He added that Taliban leaders seek to enhance friendly and brotherly relations with neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan.
He pointed to investment opportunities in Afghanistan, saying improved security and facilities for traders and investors could help boost economic ties between the two countries. Hanafi also noted that Afghanistan aims to benefit from Uzbekistan’s experience in various sectors, including technology and agriculture.
Meanwhile, Orynbaev, referring to Shavkat Mirziyoyev, said Karakalpakstan is rich in natural resources, including minerals, cement materials, limestone, oil and gas.
He added that a joint trade chamber between Afghanistan and Karakalpakstan was scheduled to be inaugurated on Sunday in Mazar-i-Sharif, describing it as an important step toward expanding trade and transit relations between the two sides.
Orynbaev described Karakalpakstan as a transport gateway for Uzbekistan and said it could cooperate closely with Afghanistan in processing raw materials and other economic sectors. He also noted that special incentives, including tax reductions, have been introduced to attract traders and investors, and welcomed Afghan investment in the region.
At the end of the meeting, Hanafi reiterated that the Taliban seek to expand cooperation with Uzbekistan in trade, transit, culture and tourism, particularly in facilitating visits and exchanges to historical and cultural sites in both countries.
