A high-level government delegation, led by the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, met with a delegation from Uzbekistan. The Uzbek delegation was headed by Abdulaziz Kamilov, the advisor to the National Security Council and special representative of the President in foreign policy. The meeting took place at Arg, where the two sides engaged in a comprehensive discussion on political, economic, business, transit, railway, and electricity projects. During the meeting, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund stated that Afghanistan has had good political and economic relations with Uzbekistan over the last year and a half, and they are committed to further developing these relations. He emphasized that Afghanistan's strategic location as a bridge between South and Central Asian countries can play an important role in trade and transit between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan. He expressed his belief that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan can become two effective economic partners in the region, considering their needs and available opportunities. Abdul Aziz Kamlov, the head of the Uzbek delegation, said that they have expressed their support for Afghanistan in international forums and meetings, stating that they are working to protect the interests of Afghanistan in any situation. He added that Uzbekistan is ready to work with the Islamic Emirate through technical teams in order to maximize the benefits of the Qosh Tepa canal project, in addition to other infrastructure projects. The Uzbek delegation further added that Uzbekistan is ready to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate in completing the Qosh Tepa Canal project by taking the right to water from the Amu River in accordance with international norms and fully considering the privileges and rights of Afghanistan. In response, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund assured the Uzbek side that completing the Qosh Tepa Canal project will strengthen bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. He emphasized the Islamic Emirate's readiness to carry out this vital project through mutual understanding. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing their hope that such meetings will continue and positive developments will be made for the common interests of both countries.
