In a significant diplomatic move, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov arrived in Kabul on Saturday, marking the second highest-level visit by a foreign official since the Taliban returned to power three years ago.
The Uzbek premier received a red carpet welcome from the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi at Kabul International Airport.
Aripov’s visit to Kabul aims to discuss bilateral relations and strengthen trade ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, the Afghan Ministry of Commerce and Industries said in a statement.
Five trade and investment agreements were signed between the two countries, the ministry added. The Uzbek prime minister is also scheduled to inaugurate an exhibition of Uzbek products.
The visit follows a trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, where the economy ministers discussed ways to enhance regional trade.
Since the Taliban’s return to power, Uzbekistan has maintained good political relations with the Taliban government, recognizing the importance of stability in the region. The two nations share a 144-kilometre border.
The Taliban government is still not recognized internationally.
