Islomkhon Gafarov, Head of the Center for Afghanistan and South Asian Studies at IAIS, explained why Afghanistan holds significant economic and geopolitical value for Uzbekistan.
He noted that Afghanistan serves as both a major market and a vital transit hub for access to South Asian ports such as Gwadar and Karachi. He highlighted the importance of the Trans-Afghan Corridor, which links Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, opening avenues for trade, infrastructure development, and regional cooperation.
Gafarov also emphasized Uzbekistan’s shared vision with Pakistan, their multi-vector foreign policies, and the expanding cultural and educational exchanges that are fostering mutual trust among the three countries.
Islomkhon Gafarov on Why Afghanistan Matters for Uzbekistan’s Trade and Cooperation
