The Prime Minister of Uzbekistan has stated that Afghanistan holds an important position in his country's foreign policy, and Tashkent is prepared to facilitate the export of fresh Afghan fruits to Central Asian countries through Uzbek territory to enhance trade relations with Kabul.
Tarz Press: Abdulla Aripov, Uzbekistan's Prime Minister, made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the "Termez International Trade Center" in a meeting with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs. The official page of the Arg (Afghan Presidential Palace) quoted the Uzbek Prime Minister as saying, "Afghanistan holds a significant position in Uzbekistan's foreign policy, and Tashkent is ready to facilitate the transit of fresh Afghan fruits to Central Asian countries starting today."
This development comes at a time when relations between the Taliban and their northern neighbors, Tashkent and Ashgabat, have significantly improved. Recently, the Uzbek Prime Minister visited Kabul, marking the first time in three years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan that they hosted a high-ranking official at the leadership level from a foreign country.
