H.E. Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, met today at the Gulkhana Palace with Mr. Jamshid Khojayev, Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan, who arrived in Kabul leading a delegation.
The meeting was also attended by H.E. Dr. Mullah Abdul Wasi, Chief of Staff of the Office of the Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, H.E. Mullah Hedayatullah Badri, Minister of Mines and Petroleum, and H.E. Sheikh Abdul Ghafar Bahr, Ambassador of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to Uzbekistan.
At the outset of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan stated that the purpose of the visit by the high-level Uzbek delegation, comprising ministers, deputy ministers, business leaders, and investors, was to strengthen the economic and political relations between the two countries.
Referring to the cordial relations between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan, he stated that Afghanistan occupies an important position in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy. He further noted that, under the directives of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the primary objective of the visit by the high-level delegation is to commence the practical implementation of commitments made in the fields of investment and trade, enabling both countries to realize tangible outcomes.
Mr. Jamshid Khojayev stated that Afghanistan’s total exports to Uzbekistan amounted to US$150 million last year. Since the beginning of the current year, Afghanistan’s exports to Uzbekistan have reached US$111 million, and this figure is expected to increase further by the end of the year.
He further stated that Uzbekistan has thus far issued 5,000 visas to Afghan nationals, reflecting the continued expansion of friendship and economic relations between the two countries.
Subsequently, H.E. Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Prime Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, welcomed the delegation led by H.E. Mr. Jamshid Khojayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan, and described the visit as significant for strengthening bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.
H.E. stated that the visit of the high-level Uzbek delegation and the expansion of economic relations represent a strong indication of Uzbekistan’s confidence in Afghanistan’s future.
H.E. Alhaj Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund assured the Deputy Prime Minister of Uzbekistan that Afghanistan welcomes the strengthening of relations with the friendly and brotherly country and remains fully committed to implementing the commitments that have been made.