Kazakhstan, Afghanistan Eye Closer Ties in Trade, Infrastructure

Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu has met with Afghanistan’s Acting Minister of Industry and Trade Nooruddin Azizi during an official visit to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation.

The high-level talks focused on deepening bilateral cooperation in key sectors such as rail transportation, agriculture, digital infrastructure, mineral extraction, and trade, The Caspian Post reports, citing Kazakh media.

Nurtleu emphasized Kazakhstan’s readiness to scale up exports to Afghanistan, particularly in chemical products, agricultural goods, fuels, lubricants, and mineral fertilizers. He described trade and economic cooperation between the two nations as having “significant untapped potential.”

Both countries reaffirmed their shared goal of increasing annual trade turnover to $3 billion, as detailed in a previously signed roadmap for economic partnership. Expanding trade, the ministers noted, is essential for promoting broader regional connectivity and development.

Infrastructure development was a key focus of the meeting, especially the proposed construction of the Turgundi-Herat railway - a strategic route that could link Afghanistan to Pakistani ports. Kazakh companies are eager to participate in such projects, and both sides welcomed the recent signing of a memorandum between sectoral agencies to advance the initiative.

Nurtleu also reiterated Kazakhstan’s continued humanitarian support for Afghanistan, which includes regular shipments of food, essential supplies, and medical aid - contributing to social stability and resilience amid ongoing challenges.

The two ministers concluded their discussions by agreeing to maintain close communication and coordination on priority initiatives, including joint infrastructure and trade development projects.