Uzbekistan-Afghanistan: joint working group on transport issues will be created

Yesterday, within the framework of the visit of the government delegation of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in the city of Kabul, a meeting was held between the Deputy Prime Minister - Minister of Investments and Foreign Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan Sardor Umurzakov with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Muhammad Hanif Atmar.

According to the press service of the Ministry of Investment and Foreign Trade of our country, during the meeting they emphasized the high level of bilateral dialogue in the political-diplomatic, trade-economic, cultural-humanitarian spheres, based on the principles of friendship, trust and mutual understanding.

The parties also discussed measures taken by the governments of both states to prevent the spread of coronavirus infection and mitigate the negative impact of restrictive measures on the sustainable development of various sectors of the economy. The Uzbek side expressed its commitment to further provide comprehensive assistance to the Afghan people in eliminating the consequences of the pandemic.

The prospects for 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, were highly appreciated. The importance of enhancing joint work on the coordination of a number of bilateral documents regulating the issues of passenger and freight traffic between the two countries, as well as interaction on the implementation of joint projects aimed at the development of regional transport and logistics infrastructure, which would significantly increase the volume of direct and transit cargo transportation and increase indicators of mutual trade.

In this regard, the parties agreed to create a joint coordinating working group on transport issues at the level of heads of relevant structures and hold its first meeting in the format of a video conference in November this year.

The issues of implementing joint projects and initiatives in the fields of energy and education were also considered.