The Center for Strategic Studies under Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced that a recent Regional Joint Forum with Central Asian states and Azerbaijan has strengthened mutual understanding and cooperation between the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and its regional partners.

The forum, convened in Kabul by the Center for Strategic Studies, brought together heads, senior researchers, and policymakers from strategic studies institutions affiliated with the presidential administrations of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan.

Participants reaffirmed their commitment to advancing regional connectivity, stability, and multifaceted cooperation, with particular emphasis on expanding trade, transit routes, and energy projects.

According to the Center, the meeting underscored a deepening alignment of interests and a shared vision for practical collaboration across economic and strategic domains. Officials described the discussions as constructive, highlighting the growing readiness among regional actors to engage pragmatically with the Islamic Emirate on issues of mutual benefit.

The forum is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts by Kabul to integrate Afghanistan more closely into regional economic frameworks, particularly through initiatives focused on transport corridors, energy infrastructure, and cross-border trade facilitation.

No specific agreements were detailed in the announcement, but the Center portrayed the gathering as a significant step toward building long-term partnerships in Central Asia and the wider region. (ILKHA)