April 24, 2024 – Wednesday, significant diplomatic discussions unfolded as Mr. Serik Zhumangarin, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Kazakhstan, convened with Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the IEA-Foreign Minister. The focal point of their meeting centered on the multifaceted dimensions of bilateral relations, encompassing political, economic, and trade realms, alongside Kazakhstan’s prospective investments in Afghanistan.
In a warm reception to the Kazakh delegation, Foreign Minister Muttaqi underscored the expanding horizons of economic, trade, and transit collaborations between the two nations. He articulated Afghanistan’s keen interest in broadening commercial engagements with Kazakhstan, accentuating the pivotal role Kazakhstan has played in bolstering Afghanistan’s trade landscape. Moreover, Muttaqi expressed aspirations for Kazakhstan’s involvement in pivotal sectors such as mining, railways, and electronic governance within Afghanistan’s territory. He advocated for an elevation in the status of Afghanistan’s diplomatic mission in Kazakhstan to reflect the burgeoning partnership.
Integral to fortifying bilateral ties, Muttaqi advocated for the initiation of direct flights linking Kabul and Astana, a move poised to catalyze greater connectivity and facilitate enhanced exchanges between the two capitals.
Echoing sentiments of burgeoning relations, Deputy Prime Minister Zhumangarin emphasized the substantial surge in Afghanistan’s exports to Kazakhstan, nearly tripling in recent times. He further disclosed the presence of a technical delegation accompanying him, poised to engage in intricate deliberations concerning investments in railways, mines, and collaborative ventures within Afghanistan’s economic landscape.
With optimism resonating in his tone, Zhumangarin expressed hopes for the inauguration of joint trade exhibitions during his three-day visit to Afghanistan.