A high-level government delegation led by Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, met in Chahar Chinar Palace with a delegation led by Serik Zhumangarin, the Deputy Prime Minister-Minister of Trade and Integration of Kazakhstan. Both parties engaged in a thorough discussion of important political, economic, commercial, transportation, railway, and other initiatives throughout the meeting.
During the meeting, the Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs expressed his appreciation for Kazakhstan's humanitarian aid and noted that both countries have always maintained cordial relations and close cooperation.
Mr. Baradar Akhund requested Kazakhstan accept the new Afghan diplomats in the country in order to strengthen bilateral relations.
Mr. Baradar Akhund continued by saying that the Islamic Emirate has taken decisive actions to ensure the country's economic stability and is working quickly on plans for significant infrastructure projects. His Excellency stressed the strengthening of commercial ties with Kazakhstan and noted that the establishment of central government and security in Afghanistan has created a solid foundation for investment in major projects like the development of railway networks.
In addition, Mr. Baradar Akhund stated during his address that priority will be given to countries having good intents for Afghanistan and experience in the relevant disciplines to carry out these projects. Throughout history, Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have had positive relations, according to Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, and in the near future, new Afghan diplomats will be welcomed in Kazakhstan in an effort to further these ties.
The main goal of their visit to Afghanistan, according to Mr. Zhumangarin, was to establish business ties, form a group to quickly solve business issues, facilitate Afghan businessmen with easy access to visas, open bank branches in both countries and collaborate with Afghanistan on significant projects like Afghan Trans.
Zhumangarin stated during his address that trade between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan was worth roughly $1 billion last year, a twofold rise from the year before. And this amount will surpass $3 billion this year thanks to the expansion of economic ties between the two nations.
Both parties stated their desire for more meetings of this kind and their expectation that constructive changes would be made in the interests of their respective countries.
