Toqayev Directs Closer Cooperation with Afghanistan

President Qasym-Jomart Toqayev met with Yerkin Tukumov, the Special Presidential Representative for Afghanistan, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties with the Afghan authorities, Orda.kz reports.

The President emphasized the importance of Tukumov's role amid growing engagement with Afghanistan’s current leadership and instructed him to support efforts to expand cooperation, particularly in the areas of economics, humanitarian assistance, and education.

The President also emphasized the significance of the UN Regional Center for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty, which, according to him, should be used more actively in the interests of both Central Asia and Afghanistan,
 reported Aqorda.

Toqayev also confirmed that Kazakhstan will continue implementing humanitarian and educational programs aimed at promoting security and stability in the neighboring country.

Earlier reports noted that specialists from Kazakhstan had collected 130 kilograms of ore samples in Afghanistan’s Nuristan province, where potential deposits of beryllium, lead, and zinc were discovered. 

The samples have been sent for analysis in Kazakhstan. Authorities are also considering the possibility of mining operations and infrastructure development, including the installation of a fiber optic cable along the Turgundi–Herat route.

Previously, Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov held talks in Astana with Nuriddin Azizi, Afghanistan’s acting Minister of Commerce. The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in logistics, agriculture, healthcare, digitalization, and geological exploration. A key topic was the proposed trans-Afghan railway project.

Earlier this month, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works signed a memorandum regarding the Turgundi–Herat railway.

Afghan officials stated that Kazakh investment in the project could reach $500 million. The route would provide Kazakhstan access to seaports in Pakistan and strengthen regional logistics connectivity.

Original Author: Ruslan Loginov