On July 18, 2025, Afghanistan hosted a significant trilateral meeting in Kabul with foreign ministers from Pakistan and Uzbekistan, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation through trade and infrastructure projects. The centerpiece of the discussions was the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan Railway Project, also known as the Trans-Afghan Railway, aimed at connecting Central Asia to South Asia. This initiative is seen as a strategic step to position Afghanistan as a vital land bridge for regional trade, fostering economic ties despite ongoing political complexities.
The meeting emphasized mutual economic benefits, with Afghanistan’s interim government, led by the Islamic Emirate, advocating for an economy-driven foreign policy. The railway project is expected to boost trade connectivity, linking Uzbekistan’s robust markets with Pakistan’s ports and facilitating access to South Asian markets. The initiative follows other regional projects like the TAPI pipeline, signaling Afghanistan’s intent to strengthen its economic role.
However, Afghanistan’s efforts face challenges from strained relations with neighboring countries, particularly due to political tensions with Pakistan and India. The Afghan caretaker government has called for non-interference, specifically urging Pakistan to curb support for groups perceived as destabilizing. Despite these hurdles, Afghanistan’s growing ties with China, a key economic partner, and Uzbekistan’s increasing trade investments signal a shift toward stronger regional integration. The Ministry of Industry and Commerce reported that Afghanistan’s trade with Iran alone reached $1.739 billion in the past year, underscoring the country’s economic potential.
The trilateral talks also addressed security and counter-terrorism, with Afghanistan reiterating its commitment to preventing its territory from being used for cross-border threats. While infrastructure projects like the railway could reshape Afghanistan’s economy, internal political divisions and external pressures, including reduced international aid, pose significant obstacles. The interim government’s push for regional cooperation reflects an intent to navigate these challenges while asserting Afghanistan’s strategic importance in the region.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, July 20th, 2025
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