Afghanistan Peace CampaignSome analysts argue that Central Asian countries should take practical steps toward formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate.
Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s relations with the countries of Central Asia, particularly in the political, economic, trade, and transit sectors, have expanded in recent years.
The spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate says these ties are based on neighborly relations, shared interests, and the development of trade, and are currently at a satisfactory level.
Commenting on the recognition of the Islamic Emirate by Central Asian countries, Zabihullah Mujahid said the issue of formal recognition depends on the policy of each individual country. However, he noted that these countries continue to engage with Afghanistan at an official level, and Kabul has no concerns in this regard.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, said: “Afghanistan has good and friendly relations with the countries of Central Asia. These relations are built on good neighborliness, shared interests, expanded trade, and strong diplomatic ties. We do not see any gap in these relations, and we continue to work to make them broader and stronger. High-level Afghan delegations have visited these countries.”
Meanwhile, the Deputy Minister of Economy said Afghanistan’s economic, political, and diplomatic relations with Central Asian countries complement one another, adding that expanding economic cooperation can further strengthen political and diplomatic ties.
Abdul Latif Nazari, Deputy Minister for Professional Affairs at the Ministry of Economy, said: “Strengthening political and diplomatic cooperation between Afghanistan and Central Asia will also expand economic, trade, and transit relations. Our policy is to enhance economic and trade cooperation with the countries of Central Asia, and we want these relations to reach a higher level.”
Some analysts argue that Central Asian countries should take practical steps toward formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate.
Political analyst Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy said: “If the issue of recognition is resolved, the investment climate will become much stronger. Afghanistan needs to convince the countries of the region, or at least its neighboring countries, to recognize the Islamic Emirate.”
Former diplomat Aziz Maarij also said: “Afghanistan’s relations with Central Asian countries, particularly in economic and trade matters, have expanded and continue to grow, benefiting both Afghanistan and its regional partners. However, regarding formal recognition, the international community—including both friendly and rival countries—continues to share the same position.”
These remarks come as several senior officials, including the deputy prime ministers of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, have visited Afghanistan over the past month and a half, with expanding political and economic cooperation identified as a key focus of their visits.