On October 20 this year, Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan S. Umurzakov met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Haneef Atmar during the visit of the Government Delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Kabul.

The meeting highlighted a high level of bilateral dialogue in the political, diplomatic, commercial, economic, cultural and humanitarian areas based on the principles of friendship, trust and mutual intelligibility. The parties noted the general position of both countries based on the need to form effective mechanisms to develop the peace process in Afghanistan, which provided a positive assessment of the progress in inclusive negotiations in Doha.

The parties negotiated on measures taken by the Governments of both countries to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection and mitigate the negative effect of restrictive measures on the sustainable development of various economic sectors. Here, the Uzbek side expressed its commitment to continue comprehensively support the Afghan people in dealing with the consequences of the pandemic.

The parties highly assessed prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation in the transport and logistics sector, which is one of the key factors stimulating the development of trade and economic relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. They noted the significancy of joint work on the coordination of a number of bilateral documents regulating passenger and freight traffic between the two countries, as well as interaction on the joint projects aimed at the development of regional transport and logistics infrastructure, which would significantly increase the direct and transit cargo transportation, as well as mutual trade exponents.

In view of this, the parties agreed to create a joint coordinating working group on transport issues involving the heads of the relevant institutions. Its first meeting is expected for November this year via video-conferencing.

They also considered a number of practical aspects of the implementation of joint projects and initiatives in the energy and education. Here, the parties developed mutually acceptable solutions and determined further measures.

The negotiations resulted in gratitude expressed to the Afgan side for the high level of hospitality extended to the Uzbek Delegation during the visit. The parties agreed on intensification of cooperation within the areas specified during the meeting.