KABUL: In a meeting with the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, Serik Zhumangarin, called Afghanistan an important and irreplaceable partner for his country.
The deputy spokesman of the Foreign Ministry, Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, said in a statement today that in the meeting, discussions focused on bilateral political and economic relations, particularly in the areas of investment, trade, transit, and transportation.
Serik Zhumangarin emphasized Kazakhstan’s view of Afghanistan as an important and indispensable partner in the region, stating that his country has always maintained political and economic ties with Afghanistan. He noted the purpose of his visit to Kabul was to inaugurate the Afghan-Kazakh Business Forum and discuss a $500 million investment in the Turghundi-Herat railway project.
He also added that Astana wants to establish a center in the transport and logistics sector in Herat province.
Meanwhile, Minister Muttaqi assessed the relations between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan positively, noting commendable progress over the past three and a half years.
“Afghanistan is keen to expand its relations with Kazakhstan in the political, transport, and transit sectors,” he assured, urging the Kazakh delegation to facilitate visa issuance to enhance trade relations.
The Minister highlighted the benefits of Kazakhstan’s investments in railways and expressed hope that both countries could play an effective role in regional connectivity.
Also, the two sides stressed the importance of increasing of such visits and meetings.
Kazakh deputy PM calls Afghanistan an important and irreplaceable partner for his country
