The commentary is prepared under the supervision of the Center for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies
In his recent commentary, Firdavs Azimkulov, a research intern at IAIS, discusses the evolving relationship between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, particularly in light of the official visit by Mullah Abdul Ghani Barodar, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, to Tashkent on February 22-23. Despite not formally recognizing the Taliban government, Uzbekistan’s engagement reflects a regional trend toward de facto normalization. Notably, Taliban officials were received at the airport by their appointed ambassador, Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Bahr — a diplomatic move previously achieved only with the UAE and China.
This visit follows Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov’s trip to Kabul on August 17, 2024, during which $2.5 billion in trade and investment deals were secured. Recent discussions between Uzbekistan’s Deputy Prime Minister for Trade and Investment, Jamshid Khodjaev, and Taliban delegates suggest that this figure is likely to grow. Mullah Barodar has called on Uzbekistan’s central bank to facilitate banking assistance to strengthen commercial ties and proposed the use of national currencies in mutual trade. Additionally, Uzbekistan has expressed readiness to invest in Afghanistan’s natural resources, including establishing a cement factory in Samangan province and initiating the Toti Maidan gas field project. Both sides have also discussed the 500 kV power transmission project, with costs revised to $222 million, aiming to transmit energy from Surkhan, Uzbekistan, to Afghanistan’s Dasht-E Alwan area.
The commentary highlights that these developments signify a new level of government-to-government diplomacy between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. By engaging in joint economic initiatives and fostering bilateral investments, both nations aim to enhance their economic and geopolitical standing. Notably, Uzbekistan was the first country to officially raise the flag of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan alongside its national flag during the delegation’s visit, symbolizing growing diplomatic acceptance.
* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.
