Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov, Senior Research Fellow at the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies, gave an interview to Afghanistan International TV (AITV), an independent news outlet based in London and Washington. In his remarks, Dr. Gafarov analysed the evolving nature of Afghanistan’s relations with Central Asia under the Taliban’s rule.   Dr. Gafarov noted that the Taliban have significantly shifted their approach towards Central Asia, adopting a more pragmatic stance and emphasising anti-corruption measures. This, he argued, has opened space for deeper regional engagement.   He highlighted Uzbekistan’s proactive Afghanistan policy, which seeks to keep the Afghan issue on the international agenda. Afghanistan remains a key transit country for Uzbekistan’s access to South Asian ports such as Gwadar and Karachi. Since 2010, Tashkent has been a key proponent of the Trans-Afghan railway (Termez–Mazar-i-Sharif–Kabul–Peshawar), which is expected to link Central and South Asia and contribute to Afghanistan’s economic recovery.   The expert also pointed to Kazakhstan’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organisations — a move that has enabled closer cooperation. Vice Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin now leads Kazakhstan’s Afghan policy. Two key drivers shape Astana’s approach: its growing role as a food supplier — having exported around 0.5 million tonnes of wheat to Afghanistan in 2023 — and its interest in using Afghanistan as a transit corridor to South Asian ports. Bilateral trade reached $1 billion last year, with targets to triple that figure.   Dr. Gafarov’s insights shed light on how regional actors are recalibrating their policies in response to Afghanistan’s changing internal and external landscape.   * 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.

The author of the article — Professor Ibragim Mavlanov, Head of the Centre for Economic Diplomacy of IAIS — in the 73rd issue of Pravda Vostoka newspaper discusses the significance of the experience of economic diplomacy of the European Union countries for Uzbekistan. He emphasises that European states, especially France, Italy and Spain, have managed to achieve systemic transformations aimed at strengthening international economic positions and protecting national interests. These approaches, in the author's opinion, are of particular value for Uzbekistan, which is now actively building its own model of economic diplomacy.   The article focuses on the transformation of Uzbekistan's foreign economic policy since 2017 under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, when economic diplomacy was put forward as a state policy priority. Professor Mavlanov concludes that the study and adaptation of successful European experience contributes to strengthening export potential, attracting foreign investment and developing tourism. In the long term, the author emphasises, economic diplomacy should become a systemic tool for sustainable development of New Uzbekistan.   * 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.

In Kun.uz’s Geopolitics, Head of the Centre for Afghanistan and South Asia Studies Hamza Boltaev and Senior Research Fellow Dr. Islomkhon Gafarov discussed relations between the US and the Taliban, the West’s approach to Afghanistan and Uzbekistan’s role in this complex geopolitical issue.   Hamza Boltaev noted that while the strategic direction of US foreign policy towards Afghanistan has not changed during the Trump administration, there have been significant tactical changes in practice. “Under previous presidents, negotiations between the US and the Taliban were conducted through Doha or other cities. In those negotiations, inclusive government, human rights, women’s and children’s rights were mostly the main conditions. Trump, on the other hand, has embarked on a more pragmatic foreign policy, prioritising US interests ... The West’s democratic values have taken a back seat and now America is trying to take a strategic stance against Beijing in Afghanistan”, he said.   The Taliban have recently been trying to get closer to Germany, Islomkhon Ghafarov said. The European Union also needs direct dialogue with the Taliban, but finds it expedient to do so through Uzbekistan ... President Mirziyoyev proposed to involve Afghanistan in regional economic projects. This proposal was favourably evaluated in Europe. Because they are looking for solutions to security problems not only by military, but also by social and economic methods. “Soft power has become a priority strategy for Europe today”, he emphasised. Uzbekistan’s open and active position on the Afghan issue makes the country an important mediator in the region.   * 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.

In a recent interview, Professor Azamat Seitov emphasised the significance of Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov’s speech at the Central Asia-European Union Summit in Samarkand, describing it as reflecting a new stage of constructive engagement in the region. In his opinion, Zhaparov’s statements on the priority of cooperation with the nearest neighbours testify to Bishkek's pragmatic course towards strengthening stability and political coordination in Central Asia, especially in the context of common challenges – climate change, water resources and migration.   Professor also noted that strengthening regional ties paves the way for deeper economic integration and increased investment attractiveness. He emphasised the importance of interaction with external partners, in particular the EU, through the prism of the interests of the whole region. According to him, strengthening ties with the European Union can serve as a catalyst for the development of new economic and political orientations in Central Asia.   Read the interview on KABAR.kg   * 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.

In an interview with the Kyrgyz National News Agency KABAR, Professor Azamat Seitov noted that the opening of the Friendship Stele at the junction of the borders of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan has become a symbol of unity and strategic partnership of the peoples of Central Asia. Presidents of the three countries took part in the ceremony, which emphasized the significance of this event in building confidence and settling border issues at the international legal level.   Prof Seitov added that the completion of border delimitation reduces the risks of interstate disputes and contributes to regional stability. He emphasized that this step demonstrates the effectiveness of Central Asia's diplomatic mechanisms, enhances economic cooperation and strengthens the region's international standing.   Read the full interview on the KABAR website   * 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.

A special edition of Uzbekistan 24 TV channel’s Irreversible Reforms (“Ortga qaytmas islohotlar”) was dedicated to the development of transport and transit potential of the country. The programme was attended by industry specialists, experts and analysts who expressed their views on Uzbekistan’s place in the international transport system, infrastructure projects being implemented and work being done to strengthen regional transport links.   Nargiza Umarova, Senior Research Fellow at IAIS, also participated as a guest in the programme. In her speech, she touched upon Uzbekistan’s topical projects in the field of logistics, in particular, the prospects of China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and Trans-Afghanistan railway projects.   Nargiza Umarova noted that Uzbekistan, given its favourable geostrategic position, pays special attention to the development of transport system. This will allow the country to move from the status of a peripheral territory in the regional transport system to the level of a central logistics and transit hub. The expert also emphasised the significant contribution of such large infrastructure projects to the economic development not only of Uzbekistan, but also of the entire Central Asian region, diversification of foreign trade relations and expansion of international transport corridors.   Thus, the transport infrastructure projects implemented by Uzbekistan serve not only to improve the domestic logistics system, but also to further strengthen the country’s role in international economic co-operation.   * 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.