Uzbekistan as a link in Central and South Asia

It is planned to hold a conference in Tashkent on July 15-16, 202, discussing the topic of "strengthening ties between Central and South Asia." Many experts believe this is a big step for Uzbekistan in uniting Central and South Asia.

Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov announced it during his visit to Moscow in March this year.

“I have invited Sergei Viktorovich to take part in international conference in July, which will be dedicated to strengthening interconnection between Central and South Asia, and we hope that Afghanistan will be actively involved in this process. This, in our opinion, will make it possible to solve two important tasks: first, to strengthen economic cooperation, and the involvement of Afghanistan in world economic regional ties. Secondly, to promote peace and stability in this region, ” -said Abdulaziz Kamilov.

Оn February 2, 2021, trilateral negotiations on transport links between Central and South Asia were held in Tashkent with the participation of high-ranking delegations from Uzbekistan, Afghanistan and Pakistan. Following the meeting, a joint action plan was signed for the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway.

The implementation of the project will open access to one of the strategic tasks facing Central Asia - the Indian Ocean. As an example, the ports of Karachi, Qasem and Gwadar in Pakistan. The project will also connect the South Asian railway system with the Central and Eurasian railway systems, thereby significantly increasing the transit potential of all of Central Asia.

The topic of Afghanistan during the talks with the Russian counterpart was not in vain. Uzbekistan's plans for regional cooperation in Central and South Asia are directly related to Afghanistan.

Uzbekistan is actively negotiating the construction of the Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway, which will open the exit of Uzbekistan to the ocean. A peaceful settlement of the Afghan conflict after the withdrawal of American troops is fundamental.

Uzbekistan attracts major players in international politics interested in this project. Russia has a great influence on Afghanistan and it can become a key partner in ensuring the safety of the railway. While the port of Gwadar itself is under the great influence of China, the involvement of interested players in the project will secure Uzbekistan itself and provide more opportunities.