Kazakhstan is pushing for closer regional cooperation. Astana has called for expanding trade with Afghanistan, strengthening transport links and developing joint economic projects. At the same time, it urged Central Asian countries to coordinate their efforts on regional security, DKNews.kz reports.
The discussions took place during the second meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives of Central Asian Countries on Afghanistan, held in Bishkek on November 6, 2026, according to Kazakhstan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kazakhstan was represented by Yerzhan Kistafin, Ambassador-at-Large at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kazakhstan seeks to expand economic cooperation with Afghanistan
Economic engagement with Afghanistan was one of the central issues discussed at the meeting. Kazakhstan supported stronger trade relations, closer transport and logistics cooperation, and the implementation of joint regional projects.
The broader objective is to integrate Afghanistan more closely into Central Asia's economic networks.
For Kazakhstan, this approach has practical implications. Developing transport connections through Afghanistan could provide Kazakh exporters with additional delivery routes and help expand regional trade.
However, no specific agreements on new transport corridors, cargo volumes or investment commitments were announced following the meeting.
Afghanistan could become part of a wider regional transport network
Participants also focused on improving transport connectivity across Central Asia.
Transit routes through Afghanistan have been discussed within the Regional Contact Group before. During earlier consultations in Astana, representatives of Central Asian countries considered the development of transport corridors crossing Afghan territory.
The Bishkek meeting brought these economic priorities back into focus.
For Kazakh businesses, the potential benefits extend beyond supplying goods to Afghanistan. Improved transport infrastructure could eventually allow exporters to use the country as a transit route to other markets.
Such opportunities, however, depend on infrastructure development, secure transportation conditions and effective coordination between governments.
Regional security remains a key concern
Economic cooperation was not the only issue on the agenda.
Central Asian representatives also discussed current regional security challenges. Kazakhstan's delegation emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to support peace, stability and sustainable development in Afghanistan.
Security and trade are closely connected. Reliable freight transportation requires predictable transit conditions, while major infrastructure projects depend on sustained cooperation between participating countries.
The Foreign Ministry's statement did not provide details of any newly agreed security measures or specific commitments in this area.
Central Asian countries agree to continue joint efforts
The meeting in Bishkek marked another stage in regional consultations on Afghanistan.
Kazakhstan supports closer coordination among Central Asian governments, expanded humanitarian cooperation and economic initiatives aimed at supporting sustainable development across the region.
Following the talks, participants reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation.
One practical question remains unanswered: which of the trade and transport initiatives discussed will move toward implementation?
The official statement did not identify specific projects, implementation timelines or financial commitments.
We previously reported on Central Asian countries' discussions on cooperation with Afghanistan in Astana, where trade, transit corridors and regional security were also among the main priorities.
