Central Asian countries are preparing to coordinate their policies towards Afghanistan in an institutional framework for the first time. The “Afghanistan Contact Group” established in Tashkent stands out as a new mechanism at the regional level in terms of both security and economic cooperation.
A Historic Step: “Afghanistan Contact Group” in Tashkent
On 26 August 2025, the special representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan on Afghanistan met in Tashkent and established the “Contact Group on Afghanistan”. This initiative, which is in line with the Roadmap 2025-2027 approved in Astana in 2024, marks the first time that the countries of the region have established a common platform on Afghanistan.
Safety Priority
The fragile structure in Afghanistan, the growing influence of ISIS-Horasan, transnational radical organisations, drug trafficking and organised crime networks stand out as common security threats for Central Asian countries. The Contact Group aims to develop a common security perspective against these threats.
Independence from External Actors
While the initiative of global powers such as the US, Russia and China has been decisive so far, the initiative in Tashkent draws attention as an independent diplomatic step centred on the interests of the Central Asian countries themselves.
Norov to TUDPAM: “It could be a long-term stabilisation mechanism”
In this context, former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan and former Secretary General of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Vladimir Imamovich Norov, who made an assessment to TUDPAM Board Member Zeynep Gizem Ozpinar, emphasised the importance of the Afghanistan Contact Group with the following words: “The establishment of the Afghanistan Contact Group in Tashkent is indeed a timely and important step. For the first time, the Central Asian countries have created a common platform dedicated to coordinating policies towards Afghanistan. This is crucial because many of the challenges we face – from security and border stability to trade, energy, water management and humanitarian issues – cannot be effectively addressed by a single state.
I believe that the Group has the potential to move beyond being a tactical tool and become a long-term stabilisation mechanism. The real value of the Group lies in institutionalising dialogue and ensuring that Central Asian countries act together rather than individually in their relations with Afghanistan. If continued, this coordination will not only help stabilise the region, but also create avenues for constructive partnerships with Afghanistan in areas such as connectivity, infrastructure, education and economic development.
Much will, of course, depend on the political will of both the governments of the region and the authorities in Kabul. But the launch of this initiative reflects a growing recognition that the future security and prosperity of our region is directly linked to that of Afghanistan.
In this sense, I am optimistic: With consistency and commitment, the Contact Group can become a meaningful mechanism for dialogue, cooperation and gradual stabilisation in our relations with Afghanistan.”
Economic Dimension: Afghanistan is a Transition Point
Afghanistan stands out as a strategic transit route connecting Central Asia to South Asia and the Indian Ocean. The corridors to be opened to the ports of Pakistan for the Central Asian countries, which have no access to the sea, are expected to reduce costs and reduce dependency in foreign trade.
- In 2023, the volume of trade between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan amounted to $ 866 million.
- In 2024, agreements worth $ 2.5 billion were signed between the parties, covering energy, transport and infrastructure.
- Kazakhstan remains Afghanistan’s main grain supplier.
Strengthening the Role of the Region Objective
According to experts, the Contact Group can work as a mechanism to support economic cooperation initiatives with security and diplomacy. Through regular meetings and coordinated projects, Central Asian countries are expected to become more resilient to security threats and strengthen their role in global trade networks.
Editor: Zeynep Gizem Ozpinar
Photo: gov.uz
