Uzbekistan to maintain constructive policy toward Afghanistan

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has announced that his country will continue its “constructive and decisive” policy toward Afghanistan. Speaking during celebrations for the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence, Mirziyoyev described Afghanistan as a “close neighbor” and emphasized a foreign policy based on good neighborliness, strategic partnership, and friendly relations within Central Asia.

While providing few specific details regarding future engagement with the Taliban government, the President highlighted Uzbekistan's commitment to multilateral, balanced, and prudent diplomacy. The nation has focused on economic diplomacy and transit cooperation, aiming to integrate Afghanistan into regional projects connecting Central Asia to South Asia. Trade between the two nations reached nearly $1 billion in the first half of this year.

Additionally, Mirziyoyev noted that Uzbekistan's diplomatic reach has expanded to approximately 170 countries. He also announced that Uzbekistan is set to hold the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement for the first time from 2027 to 2029.