Tokayev Urges Deeper Political and Trade Ties with Afghanistan

Kazakhstan aims to boost political engagement and trade with Afghanistan. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev made this clear during a meeting with Nooruddin Azizi, acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of Afghanistan, held on the sidelines of the Astana International Forum.

Tokayev said Kazakhstan seeks to raise bilateral trade with Afghanistan to over $3 bn. He also noted that Kazakhstan maintained its diplomatic mission in Kabul after the Islamic Emirate took power.

The Afghan side welcomed Kazakhstan’s continued engagement. Nooruddin Azizi thanked the Kazakh government for its diplomatic support and for removing the Islamic Emirate from its list of terrorist organisations.

Akhundzada Abdul Salam Jawad, spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Ministry of Industry and Commerce, highlighted the importance of international recognition and economic cooperation.

The Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment reported that current trade between the two countries stands at around $600 mln. Board member Khanjan Alokozay said Afghan exports to Kazakhstan are growing, with fruits and potatoes now being shipped regularly.

Regional observers note that Central Asian countries — especially Kazakhstan — are looking to deepen ties with Kabul and explore transit routes to South Asia following shifts in Afghanistan’s political landscape.