It has been revealed what Uzbekistan and Afghanistan agreed upon during their meeting in Tashkent.

A high-ranking delegation from Afghanistan, led by Acting Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, has concluded a two-day visit to Uzbekistan. During the visit, which took place on February 22-23, discussions were held with Uzbekistan's Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov and other officials regarding the expansion of bilateral cooperation in various fields.

The Afghan delegation, which included representatives from key ministries such as Industry and Trade, Mining and Oil and Gas, Transport and Civil Aviation, Agriculture, Irrigation and Animal Husbandry, as well as the Central Bank and the Ministry of Finance, underscores both countries' commitment to strengthening economic ties.

Prime Minister Aripov highlighted President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's special attention to the development of constructive and mutually beneficial relations with Afghanistan.

The central theme of the negotiations was the deepening of trade and economic cooperation. The parties discussed the prospects of using national currencies for mutual settlements, an agreement on hydrocarbon and mineral resources, and the potential for Uzbek investments in the Afghan economy. Particular emphasis was placed on creating favorable conditions for foreign investors in Afghanistan.

The Uzbek side confirmed the readiness of businesses to invest in key sectors of the Afghan economy, including oil and gas exploration and production, industrial development, and the construction of a cement plant in Samangan Province. Progress was noted in the implementation of the gas field exploration project "Toti Maidun," where drilling operations are expected to commence soon.

Significant attention was given to the development of transport infrastructure. The parties discussed accelerating the implementation of the Trans-Afghan railway project and the "Surkhan - Pul-i-Khumri" power line project. According to Mullah Baradar, the cost of the power line project has been reduced from $252 million to $222 million. A visit by a technical delegation from Uzbekistan to Afghanistan was also announced to study the Khairatan-Herat railway project.

In the field of trade, an agreement was reached on a preferential trade agreement that provides for the reduction of customs duties on ten Afghan and ten Uzbek goods. This is expected to stimulate bilateral trade turnover and contribute to trade balance.

Additionally, issues regarding the development of banking cooperation, the reduction of taxes on Afghan exports to Uzbekistan, and the establishment of joint trade centers were discussed.

The Afghan delegation also visited several industrial enterprises in Tashkent. Mullah Baradar characterized the visit as productive and expressed hope for further strengthening of bilateral relations.