In the past year, high-level delegations from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have met over twenty times in Kabul and Tashkent to expand economic and trade cooperation. 

Yadgar Shadmanov, Uzbekistan's ambassador to Afghanistan, told TOLOnews that his country’s relations with Afghanistan are mainly focused on strengthening and expanding economic and trade cooperation.

Ambassador Shadmanov said: "In 2023, delegations from both countries traveled between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan more than 20 times. The purpose of these trips was to continue bilateral cooperation, expand economic and trade relations, and discuss economic plans implemented in Afghanistan."

According to Mr. Shadmanov, Uzbekistan plans to invest $400 million in thermal energy production and cement manufacturing in Afghanistan.

Yadgar Shadmanov said, "As you know, due to Afghanistan not being internationally recognized, we have focused more on economic issues with Afghanistan and are conducting most of our cooperation in economic matters."

The ambassador also mentioned the Qosh Tepa Canal, stating that his country does not oppose the construction of the canal but advocates for its advanced and principled development.

The ambassador in Kabul said, "Governments have the right to use water from shared and border rivers. We acknowledge this. Afghanistan can also use water from the Amu River, and we do not oppose this; however, we advocate for the construction of the canal in an advanced manner based on principles."

According to statistics from the Uzbek embassy, nearly 900 million dollars in trade was conducted between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in 2023, and the goal of officials from both countries is to increase this amount to 1.5 billion dollars by 2025.