Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have a long and complex history of relations, influenced by political shifts, economic interests, and regional dynamics. Following the rise of the Islamic Emirate in the 1990s, the relationship between the two countries was marked by tension and suspicion. However, over time, particularly after the fall of Kabul in 2021, diplomatic and economic ties have significantly strengthened.
Early Tensions and Diplomatic Resurgence
During the first rule of the Islamic Emirate, Uzbekistan’s relations with Afghanistan soured, primarily due to concerns over Uzbek dissidents like Qari Tahir Jan Yuldash and Jumma Namangani being associated with the Islamic Emirate. In response, Uzbekistan shut down its key trade route with Afghanistan—Hairatan Port. Relations remained strained even after the U.S. invasion of Afghanistan, but by the second decade of the 21st century, Uzbekistan began to re-engage diplomatically. Uzbekistan and the Islamic Emirate initiated talks through the latter’s political office in Qatar, and formal visits by Islamic Emirate officials to Uzbekistan took place.
Strengthened Relations After the Fall of Kabul
Post-2021, Uzbekistan was one of the first countries to engage with the new Afghan government, accepting the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador and boosting its economic cooperation with Afghanistan. A series of high-level visits between the two countries solidified their relationship. Notably, in August 2024, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov visited Kabul with several ministers and technical teams, and discussions resulted in the signing of key agreements. This visit laid the groundwork for enhanced bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and trade sectors.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Investment in Mining and Infrastructure:
Afghanistan’s vast mineral resources have attracted global attention, and Uzbekistan has expressed a keen interest in investing in Afghanistan’s mining sector, particularly iron extraction. The Islamic Emirate has promised full cooperation in this area. - 500 kV Power Transmission Project:
One of the major agreements between the two countries is the 500 kV power transmission project, aimed at facilitating the export of Uzbek electricity to Afghanistan. Both sides are committed to fast-tracking the implementation of the project, with Uzbekistan agreeing to begin work within 10 days of the agreement’s signing. - Enhancing Trade Cooperation:
Trade between the two countries has seen considerable growth in recent years. The Islamic Emirate has encouraged Uzbekistan to expand its purchase of Afghan agricultural and industrial products to create a more balanced trade relationship. A preferential trade agreement between the two countries is expected to be signed soon to address this. - Establishing a Joint Market:
The idea of establishing a joint market inside Afghanistan, similar to the Termez trade hub in Uzbekistan, was discussed. This would create more opportunities for bilateral trade and help streamline the flow of goods between the two nations. - Expanding Railway Networks:
The Islamic Emirate plans to expand Afghanistan’s railway network, connecting Hairatan to Herat, and extending from Herat to Kandahar and Spin Boldak. This railway would connect Afghanistan to Central Asia, significantly reducing the country’s dependency on trade routes through Pakistan and Iran. The new route will be shorter and more cost-effective compared to the Afghan-Trans railway network, which traverses difficult mountainous terrain. - Reducing Dependence on Iran and Pakistan:
The new railway system is seen as a strategic move to reduce Afghanistan’s reliance on trade routes passing through Pakistan and Iran. Currently, goods transported via these routes take around 40 days to reach China, whereas the new route could reduce this to just 12-15 days, cutting transportation costs by up to 20%. - Agricultural Investments:
Uzbekistan has shown interest in investing in Afghanistan’s agricultural sector, particularly in the fertile northern regions irrigated by the Qosh Tepa Canal. The Islamic Emirate is prepared to allocate land to attract this investment. Uzbekistan’s agricultural investments could focus on crops like cotton or alfalfa, which could serve both domestic needs and international markets. Additionally, cultivating these crops could offer an alternative to poppy cultivation in Afghanistan.
Conclusion
The relationship between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan has evolved from one of suspicion to stronger economic and political cooperation. With shared cultural and linguistic ties, as well as mutual interests in regional trade and development, the two countries are poised to expand their collaboration in sectors such as energy, trade, mining, and infrastructure. The planned railway network and ongoing investments in Afghanistan’s agriculture and mining sectors are key drivers of this growing partnership. Given the strategic importance of these initiatives, it is likely that Uzbekistan will continue to play an essential role in Afghanistan’s economic development.
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