The Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, met at the Arg with the Chairman of the Parliament of the Republic of Karakalpakstan of Uzbekistan, Mr. Amanbay Orynbayev, and his accompanying delegation.
During the meeting, which was also attended by the Ambassador of the Republic of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, Mr. Aybek Usmanov, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, welcomed the delegation and stated that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan share long-standing religious, historical, cultural, and social ties and commonalities that should be further expanded and strengthened.
He added that His Highness, The Amir al-Mu’minin (may Allah Almighty protect him), His Excellency the Prime Minister, members of the Cabinet, and other leaders of the Islamic Emirate always seek friendly and brotherly relations with all neighboring countries, particularly Uzbekistan.
Referring to the favorable investment opportunities and the positive spirit of cooperation in Afghanistan, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs stated that the establishment of nationwide security and the additional facilities provided for traders and investors would contribute to the further expansion of relations between the two countries. He further noted that Afghanistan is interested in benefiting from Uzbekistan’s experiences in various sectors, particularly in the fields of technology and agriculture.
Subsequently, the Chairman of the Parliament of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, Mr. Amanbay Orynbayev, conveyed the greetings and best wishes of the President of Uzbekistan, expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Islamic Emirate, and stated that their region possesses various resources, including minerals, cement, lime, oil, and gas.
He added that, with the aim of strengthening trade and transit relations between the two countries, a joint Chamber of Commerce between Afghanistan and the Republic of Karakalpakstan is scheduled to be inaugurated tomorrow in , which would mark a significant step toward enhanced cooperation between the two sides.
Mr. Amanbay Orynbayev further noted that the Republic of Karakalpakstan is regarded as Uzbekistan’s transportation gateway and stated that cooperation could also be developed in various sectors related to the processing of raw materials, alongside the expansion of trade relations with neighboring Afghanistan.
He also stated that the Republic of Karakalpakstan has established special conditions and incentives, including tax reductions for traders and investors, and affirmed that they welcome the activities of Afghan traders and investors and are prepared to cooperate in this regard.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister for Administrative Affairs, H.E. Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, stated that Afghanistan seeks to strengthen friendly relations between the two neighboring countries in various fields, including trade, transit, culture, and tourism, particularly in the area of visiting ancient sites and historical monuments.