Honorable guests,
The relations between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries are rooted in deep historical, geographical, religious, cultural, and social bonds among the peoples of this region. For centuries, we have lived together as good neighbors in this land, sharing a common identity, common suffering, and a common future.
On one hand, great Islamic figures such as Imam Abu Hanifa, Imam Bukhari, and Imam Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on them) laid the foundations of the flourishing Islamic civilization of this region. On the other, historical and cultural figures such as Abu Rayhan al-Biruni, Rudaki, Makhtumquli Faraghi, Amir Ali Sher Nawa’i, and Abu Nasr al-Farabi have enriched our shared history. It is these commonalities that form the very foundation of relations between Afghanistan and Central Asia.
Alhamdulillah, the current narrative between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries is one of opportunity, cooperation, and regional convergence—not one of illusion or confrontation. Together, we can shape a successful model of regional integration and create favorable conditions for the further development of relations in various fields between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries.
Distinguished guests,
The foreign policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is based on the principles of balance and economic centrality, with emphasis on Islamic brotherhood, good neighborliness, mutual respect, and cooperation. The Central Asian countries occupy a special place in this policy. While strengthening bilateral relations, we also emphasize regional cooperation and a region-centric strategy due to the shared opportunities and challenges we face. As a result of this policy, Alhamdulillah, we have today entered into diplomatic relations, dialogues, and constructive engagements with various countries in the region and beyond. The current relations of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan with the Central Asian countries—Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan—represent a prominent example of this approach.
Undoubtedly, there are challenges and concerns at the regional level that have negatively affected the desired trends, infrastructure, and economic cooperation between Central Asia and Afghanistan. The security-oriented perspective of some regional actors has created obstacles and challenges in the path of transit and regional cooperation, which undermine the collective interests of the region.
The Afghan government has participated with sincerity and a solution-oriented approach in the ongoing negotiations with Pakistan, currently taking place in the city of Urumqi at the initiative of the People’s Republic of China.
Our position on this matter is very clear. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has always sought to resolve issues through understanding, dialogue, and relations based on mutual respect and comprehension. At the same time, it reserves the right to defend its territorial integrity and its people.
Honorable guests,
Afghanistan shares approximately 2,329 kilometers of common land and water borders with Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan. It is necessary for us to cooperate jointly in strengthening the banks of the Amu River and modernizing border markers along this shared frontier. Issues such as the activities of certain destructive elements—including the threats posed by Daesh groups, the smuggling of narcotics (especially synthetic drugs), illegal migration, and cross-border organized crime—are among the common concerns of both sides. To this end, the Afghan security entities have taken the necessary measures. Timely actions have been carried out against individuals and elements attempting to undermine the friendly relations between Afghanistan and the Central Asian countries. Alhamdulillah, today there are no security problems along our common borders, and we stand ready to enhance cooperation further in these fields.