KABUL - Foreign Minister HanifAtmar met with Uzbekistan deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurakov on Monday and discussed with him matters of mutual interest.
Atmar is heading a high-level delegation to meet Uzbek officials and attend the Afghanistan-Uzbekistan-Pakistan trilateral meeting in Tashkent.
Atmar thanked Uzbek authorities for inviting the Afghan delegation to discuss issues of mutual interest and strengthening of bilateral relations in the fields of economy, security, trade and transit.
The two sides discussed the Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway project and considered its completion as important for expanding trade, economic growth, and regional connectivity.
The Foreign Minister also said an effective use of the Cargo and Freight Transportation Center in Termez city would help increase trade between Kabul and Tashkent.
The Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan welcomed the Foreign Minister and his delegation to Tashkent and assured Atmar of his country’s full support for the Afghan peace process.
Sardor Umurzakov said a peaceful and stable Afghanistan was key to development, economic growth, and increased cooperation on regional level.
He noted his country is ready to invest in Afghanistan’s infrastructure and support comprehensive regional connectivity.
The Foreign Minister highlighted the significance of current investment, trade, regional connectivity, and private sector cooperation and called for further development and expansion of economic and cultural cooperation between Kabul and Tashkent. (Pajhwok)