Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan held their first meeting as a unified contact group on Afghanistan on August 26 in Tashkent, signaling a bold new approach to regional diplomacy and stability. The nations pledged a balanced, consensus-driven strategy recognizing Afghanistan’s geostrategic importance and historical ties to Central Asia, aiming to restore trade, transport, cultural, and humanitarian connections while boosting security cooperation against extremism, terrorism, cross-border crime, and drug trafficking.
The meeting underscores a pragmatic shift by Central Asian countries, who since 2021 have increasingly engaged with Afghanistan to develop economic and infrastructure ties. Kazakhstan, in particular, has led efforts to integrate Afghanistan into regional trade networks, with a high-level delegation visiting Kabul in July 2025 to advance connectivity and sub-regional cooperation.
Security remains a top concern, with the resurgence of ISIS-K and regional instability prompting Central Asian states to treat Afghanistan as a crucial partner in combating shared threats. The new contact group establishes a platform for regular dialogue, reinforcing the independent role of these nations in shaping Afghanistan’s regional agenda and promoting long-term stability and sustainable development across Eurasia.
Central Asian leaders’ coordinated approach may set a precedent for regional diplomacy, offering a model of practical, action-driven cooperation amid complex geopolitical challenges.
