What is the significance of the delegation from Uzbekistan, led by Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojayev, visiting Afghanistan on October 29-30?

The delegation is noteworthy for its composition, which comprised ministers responsible for key sectors including energy, transport, water, agriculture, mining, and geology. Furthermore, the delegation was comprised of the President's special representative for Afghanistan and 45 distinguished businessmen. During their visit, the delegation met with high-ranking officials, including the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, to discuss collaborating across multiple domains.

This visit emphasizes Afghanistan's strategic significance for Uzbekistan regarding economic and security interests. The presence of a delegation, with diverse and influential members, underscores Uzbekistan's commitment to exploring opportunities for cooperation and mutual benefit.

Additionally, the negotiations serve as an example of Uzbekistan's dedication to fostering peace, stability, and regional connectivity in Afghanistan. Deputy Prime Minister Jamshid Khojaev discussed collaboration with Afghanistan's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, Mulla Abdul Ghani Baradar. Topics included railways, transportation infrastructure, mining, water resource management, and educational initiatives for Afghan youth.

Khojayev highlighted the importance of Afghanistan's prosperity in promoting the collective interests of neighboring countries. Uzbekistan stands prepared to join hands with Afghanistan in various areas, such as transit, trade, and agriculture, in a collaborative effort. Through this, Uzbekistan exhibits its commitment to enhancing its economic relations while also contributing to regional stability and development, particularly in Afghanistan.

At the same time, there is significant potential for shared development and prosperity in the mutual relationship between the two parties. To seize these opportunities, the parties aim to increase mutual trade turnover from $600 million to $3 billion. Additionally, the Hayraton port will commence 24/7 operations next month. In the near future, an exhibition showcasing Afghan products in Tashkent and the opening of a vast business center in Termez are planned.

Strengthening trade and humanitarian relations will be the initial measure in establishing a legal foundation for the shared use of Amudarya's water resources. As the construction of the Koshtepa Canal has a direct impact on the water balance in Central Asia, Afghanistan becomes a key stakeholder.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the Koshtepa Canal during the Consultative meeting of Central Asian countries in Dushanbe. He highlighted that there is a new participant in the region who is not legally obliged to use the shared water resources. This intergovernmental meeting could be the initial stage in addressing this issue through dialogue and cooperation.

In general, after three decades, Afghanistan finally achieved a relatively stable environment and peace within its borders. This newfound stability is of great significance for Uzbekistan and facilitates the realization of economic potential between the two countries. Specifically, the successful implementation of vital projects like the Trans-Afghan Corridor and the Koshtepa Canal hinges on Afghanistan's continued success. Therefore, it is crucial to establish mutual trust between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to achieve shared objectives. The expansion of Uzbekistan towards the Persian Gulf and the reinforcement of relations with South Asian nations can only be accomplished by building beneficial relationships with Afghanistan.

Furthermore, visits such as this have the potential to create new transportation routes between the two countries. Mulla Baradar emphasized Afghanistan's dedication to becoming a regional center for transportation and communication between South and Central Asia during the negotiations. He expressed Afghanistan's willingness to invest in rebuilding infrastructure, especially roads, to make it easier for goods and people to move throughout the area.

Mulla Baradar raised concerns about the exorbitant transit fees charged on Afghan goods passing through Uzbekistan and urged for a reduction. He proposed the consideration of special preferential tariffs and encouraged building cordial trade relations with Afghanistan. He envisaged a significant upsurge in Afghan exports to Uzbekistan in the near future and emphasized Kabul's eagerness to import various items from Uzbekistan, such as chemical products, wheat, and agricultural machinery.

Uzbekistan has implemented measures to simplify the visa application procedure for Afghan entrepreneurs and drivers. Mulla Baradar praised these efforts for their role in promoting trade and strengthening cooperation between the two countries. Additionally, he voiced profound gratitude for Uzbekistan's humanitarian assistance to those affected by the earthquake in the Herat area of Afghanistan.

Bilateral relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan have made significant progress in recent years. From January to September 2023, Afghan citizens, totaling over 1300 people, comprised the third-largest group of foreign visitors to Uzbekistan for business purposes, trailing only Turkey and China.

Moreover, Afghanistan remains one of Uzbekistan's major importers of agricultural products. Another key factor that strengthens the relationship between the two nations is the substantial Uzbek diaspora in Afghanistan, whose population exceeds 3.5 million people. This diaspora undoubtedly has a significant role in promoting cultural exchange and facilitating trade relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan.

The continued strengthening of relations and dispute resolution depend on mutual trust. Therefore, strengthening mutual trust is a top priority for both Uzbekistan and Afghanistan to effectively solve problems and find sustainable solutions.

Therefore, the relationship between the two countries plays a significant role in promoting regional stability, attaining economic progress, and fortifying peace in the area.