KABUL: Central Asian countries, particularly Kazakhstan, once viewed Afghanistan primarily through the lens of security threats but are now increasingly seeing it as a source of economic opportunity, Kazakhstan’s special envoy for Afghanistan has said.
Yerkin Tukumov, Kazakhstan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, said the shift in perception reflects growing regional interest in trade, transit, and economic cooperation with the country.
The English-language newspaper Astana Times reported on Tuesday night that Tukumov described Afghanistan as a promising economic market for Kazakhstan. He added:” Afghanistan could serve as a key transit corridor for the landlocked country, providing access to the Indian Ocean.”
Speaking after an extraordinary meeting of Central Asian officials focused on Afghanistan, Tukumov said the region’s countries are seeking to adopt a coordinated and unified policy toward Kabul.
“The meetings are held to help Central Asian countries develop a common position, which is critically important,” he said. “Our agenda is very full, covering trade and economic relations as well as transit issues. But above all, we must align our approach toward Afghanistan.”
Meanwhile, Turdakun Sydykov, Kyrgyzstan’s ambassador to Afghanistan, described the recent Central Asian meeting in Astana as highly significant for addressing Afghanistan-related issues.
Sydykov said the main focus of the discussions was on reviewing trade, economic, and transit projects, stressing that the implementation of such initiatives is a fundamental prerequisite for a peaceful and stable future for Afghanistan and the wider region.
Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan held an extraordinary meeting on Afghanistan in Astana two days earlier.
Kazakhstan Envoy: Central Asia shifts view of Afghanistan from security threat to trade partner
