Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu visited Afghanistan on an official working trip, aiming to strengthen bilateral relations and foster regional connectivity. During his visit, Minister Nurtleu met Afghanistan’s Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Abdul Ghani Baradar, to discuss enhancing cooperation in sectors such as trade, transit, agriculture, geological exploration, and digitalization. The meeting culminated in a key agreement designed to advance infrastructure development and economic collaboration between Central Asia and South Asia.
Minister Murat Nurtleu emphasized Kazakhstan’s commitment to reinforcing trust and collaboration with Afghanistan. He highlighted Afghanistan’s historical and geographical significance, underscoring Astana’s resolve to deepen bilateral relations and regional partnerships.
Abdul Ghani Baradar acknowledged Kazakhstan as a prominent regional leader within Central Asia and expressed optimism regarding the extensive possibilities for expanding cooperation between Kabul and Astana. He particularly highlighted Afghanistan’s interest in implementing joint infrastructure projects, which could significantly contribute to job creation and economic stability within Afghanistan.
Concluding the fruitful discussions, both sides signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) concerning the fundamental principles guiding the construction and operation of a regional railway system. The agreement between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works focuses on establishing a vital rail connectivity corridor linking Central Asia and South Asia. Such infrastructure is anticipated to bolster economic integration within the region, improving trade flow, transit capacities, and overall connectivity.
