On December 24, 2025, a Kazakh delegation paid a working visit to Mazar-i-Sharif. The delegation was led by Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Galymzhan Akbasov, together with representatives of the Kazakhstan Trade House. The trip was less about protocol and more about moving cooperation into practical action, DKNews.kz reports.
Afghan side: Kazakhstan is a key partner in the region
During talks with the Governor of Balkh Province, Mohammad Yusuf Wafa, the Afghan side emphasized that cooperation with Kazakhstan is among its priorities. Kazakhstan’s leadership role in the region was also highlighted.
The parties discussed trade, infrastructure and future joint projects. The Afghan side recalled earlier proposals:
- construction of a school
- a 200-bed hospital
- and a new idea - a municipal complex in Mazar-i-Sharif
These initiatives are viewed as part of long-term cooperation, not just one-off humanitarian support.
Logistics via the Hairaton checkpoint and support for business
Kazakhstan confirmed its readiness to strengthen stable trade with northern Afghan provinces and to develop logistics through the Hairaton border crossing.
This route could significantly simplify deliveries of food, construction materials and industrial goods.
The Governor expressed interest in visiting Kazakhstan as part of a trade delegation and pledged support for Kazakh businesses operating in the region.
Both sides also agreed to continue dialogue on regional stability, humanitarian cooperation and business contacts.
Talks with the Chamber of Trade and Investment: focus on business and capital
Ambassador Akbasov also met with Mohammad Ibrahim Gazanfar, head of the Balkh Chamber of Trade and Investment.
Discussions focused on concrete areas:
- expanding bilateral trade
- exporting Afghan fruits to Kazakhstan
- supplying Kazakh goods to Afghanistan
- joint investment projects
A separate topic was Afghanistan’s mining sector. Competition is intense, and Afghan representatives expressed interest in Kazakhstan as a reliable investor.
The Afghan side proposed opening a branch of the Kazakhstan Trade House in Mazar-i-Sharif, based at the Chamber, and using an existing trading platform involving Gazanfar Bank.
In the end, both sides reaffirmed their intention to actively expand trade and investment cooperation.
Why it matters for Kazakhstan
The visit became another step in Kazakhstan’s pragmatic approach toward Afghanistan.
For Kazakhstan, it means:
- wider export markets
- stronger logistics corridors
- support for national businesses
- contributing to regional stability through economic ties
For Afghanistan, it offers better access to goods, investment and infrastructure solutions.
