Afghanistan Diverts Coal Exports to Uzbekistan

Afghanistan has decided to reroute its coal exports to Uzbekistan, ending shipments to Pakistan, Afintl reports. A representative of the Balkh governor confirmed that Tashkent and Kabul have reached a trade agreement.

The change in export routes comes amid heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, including armed clashes along the border earlier this year. The Taliban has also announced plans to transport agricultural products through Uzbekistan by air to European markets.

Kursiv also reports that Uzbekistan is exploring a new freight rail corridor to Pakistan through Afghanistan.