The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Uzbekistan will continue its “constructive and decisive” policy toward Afghanistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said in a speech marking the 35th anniversary of the country’s independence.
Mirziyoyev described Afghanistan as a “close neighbor” but
did not provide details on how Tashkent’s policy toward the Taliban
administration would develop or announce any new initiatives.
He said Uzbekistan’s foreign policy is based on
good-neighborly relations, strategic partnerships and friendly ties with
Central Asian countries. Tashkent also aims to strengthen its role as an
important center of international diplomacy, he said.
Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan has expanded its diplomatic ties
in recent years and now maintains relations with nearly 170 countries. He
pledged to continue what he described as a multilateral, measured and balanced
foreign policy, with economic diplomacy remaining a priority.
He also announced that Uzbekistan will chair the Non-Aligned
Movement for the first time from 2027 to 2029.
Economic ties with Afghanistan
Mirziyoyev’s comments come as Uzbekistan has sought to
deepen its economic and political engagement with Afghanistan since the Taliban
seized power in 2021.
Although Tashkent has not formally recognized the Taliban
government, it has maintained practical relations with the group and has
promoted Afghanistan’s inclusion in regional connectivity projects linking
Central Asia with South Asia.
Afghanistan has become an important economic partner for
Uzbekistan. Bilateral trade reached nearly $1 billion in the first six months
of this year, according to the Uzbek government.
Uzbekistan has also been among the Central Asian countries
advocating greater regional economic connectivity and trade through
Afghanistan.
Mirziyoyev highlights economic growth
In his independence anniversary speech, Mirziyoyev also
highlighted Uzbekistan’s economic growth, saying annual foreign investment had
increased from about $2 billion to $3 billion to between $40 billion and $50
billion.
He said the country’s gross domestic product is expected to
reach $160 billion this year and that Uzbekistan aims to attract $450 billion
in foreign investment over the next decade.
Mirziyoyev also said the country’s poverty rate had fallen
from 35% in 2017 to 4% this year, with about 10 million people benefiting from
improved living conditions.
