The acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, during his visit to Samarkand, called for the cooperation of Uzbekistan in the implementation of big economic projects in Afghanistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Islamic Emirate’s spokesman, said that Muttaqi considered the cooperation of Uzbekistan important in economic and political fields.

“They were assured that Afghanistan needs strong diplomatic and economic cooperation and communication and that in this regard, countries should cooperate (with Afghanistan) taking into account the need for economic prosperity in Afghanistan and the region so that security and stability continue,” Mujahid noted.

In a meeting with Muttaqi, Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bahtiyor Saidov, called for peace and stability in Afghanistan. 

The deputy spokesman of the foreign ministry of Afghanistan, Zia Ahmad Takal, cited Saidov as saying that talks will not be effective without the presence of the Afghan representative in the meetings related to Afghanistan.

Analysts said that Uzbekistan plays a crucial role in maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan.

“As one of Afghanistan's neighbors, Uzbekistan can play a good role in resolving some issues and most importantly, in helping Afghanistan achieve peace and stability,” said Sayed Jawad Sajadi, a university lecturer. “The hope that Uzbekistan would contribute to building peace and security in Afghanistan is excessive considering the weaknesses and strengths of Uzbekistan.”

“Uzbekistan, as a close neighbor of Afghanistan, can play an effective role in securing peace, and it depends on how far Uzbekistan plays an impartial role in Afghanistan's affairs,” said Nematullah Bizhan, an international relations analyst.

In a meeting with his Uzbek counterpart, Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan is ready to begin work on Trans-Afghanistan Railway Project and that it will significantly contribute to regional economic integration.

“Afghanistan Railway Authority (ARA) is fully prepared for the start of the Trans-Afghanistan project,” said Abdul Sami Durrani, spokesman of the Afghanistan Railway Authority. “ARA has managed to finish the initial survey of the Trans-Afghan railway project with Uzbekistan and Pakistan in the solar 1401 (March 2022 to March 2023).”

“The Islamic Emirate's major policy is to strengthen its economic and commercial ties with its neighbors,” said Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy spokesman of the Ministry of Economy. 

“Uzbekistan can contribute to the economic growth of Afghanistan and Uzbek businessmen can invest in Afghanistan because of the country's good security and eradication of corruption,” Nazari added.

The fourth meeting of the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan took place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on April 13 with the participation of eight regional countries. On the first day of the meeting, participants emphasized the need to establish an inclusive government in Afghanistan.