The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Taliban officials and Kyrgyz authorities have discussed ways to expand political, economic and academic cooperation between Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan during a meeting in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital.
Abdul Hai Qanit, head of the Taliban's Center for Strategic Studies, met with Adilbek Ooloo Shomkarbek, head of Kyrgyzstan's National Institute for Strategic Initiatives, to discuss expanding cooperation in political, economic and academic fields.
Abdul Shukur Haqqani, acting head of the Taliban's embassy in Bishkek, also attended the meeting, according to the Taliban's Center for Strategic Studies.
The two sides discussed expanding political, economic, academic and research cooperation between Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, exchanging expertise between research institutions, regional developments and issues of mutual interest, the center said.
Qanit briefed the Kyrgyz official on recent developments in Afghanistan, the Taliban's foreign policy, economic cooperation and efforts to strengthen academic ties. He also emphasized the expansion of joint research and strategic cooperation, according to the center.
Shomkarbek expressed support for strengthening academic, economic and intellectual ties between Afghanistan and Kyrgyzstan, saying sustained contacts between research institutions are important for promoting mutual understanding and regional cooperation.
The two sides concluded the meeting by emphasizing the need to further strengthen bilateral relations and continue joint cooperation.
