Heads of leading think tanks, as well as representatives of political, scientific, and business circles in Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and Afghanistan, attended the event.

The forum addressed topics such as enhancing political dialogue and regional stability, fostering trade and economic cooperation, improving transport connectivity and energy projects, and expanding scientific, expert, cultural, and humanitarian collaborations.

In his speech, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi noted that Kabul is interested in expanding practical cooperation with the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, primarily in the fields of trade, transport, energy, water and food security.

He states that Afghanistan perceives itself not just as a neighbor but also as an active player in regional affairs, serving as a natural bridge between Central and South Asia and focusing on advancing transport and logistics and energy initiatives.

Javlon Vakhabov, Director of the International Institute for Central Asia, emphasized that in the evolving Greater Central Asia, Afghanistan should be recognized not as a marginal player but as a full participant and co-creator of regional initiatives. He noted that Afghanistan’s stability and economic revival are crucial for the future progress of the whole region.

It was noted that logistics and energy projects such as the Trans-Afghan Transport Corridor, TAPI, TAP, and CASA-1000 can transform Afghanistan from a transit space into a full-fledged participant in regional production, consumption, and industrial development.

In the field of water and climate cooperation, the Director of IICA emphasized the need to establish a legal and institutional framework with Afghanistan’s participation, as well as the importance of dialogue through the Qosh Tepa Canal, regular technical consultations, data exchange, joint monitoring, glacier research, and the development of early warning systems at regional and international venues.

Abdul Hai Qanit, Director General of the Political Affairs Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, noted that the consistent implementation of transport and trade initiatives meets the interests of all countries in the region and lays the foundation for a long-term, mutually beneficial partnership between Afghanistan and the Central Asian states.

Following the forum, participants emphasized the need to enhance expert dialogue as a practical way to implement regional agreements, support joint research projects, and develop coordinated strategies on security, connectivity, water, climate cooperation, and sustainable development.