Surkhandarya regional administration

During the visit of the Uzbek delegation to Afghanistan, the parties discussed further development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, increasing agricultural exports, and making effective use of transport and logistics opportunities.

The delegation, led by Ismatilla Irgashev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, and Ulugbek Kosimov, Governor of Surkhandarya Region, visited Mazar-i-Sharif, the administrative center of Balkh Province.

The delegation was welcomed at the Hairatan border crossing by officials led by Nurulhodi Abu Idris, Deputy Governor of Balkh Province.

The first destination of the visit was the monument to Alisher Navoi, currently under construction in the city center. The monument, located on the central street known as the Ghazis Fortress, was designed by Uzbek engineers. Construction work is currently progressing at a rapid pace.

Following the visit, the Uzbek delegation held a meeting at the Balkh Provincial Administration with Ataullah Omari, Afghanistan's Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, and Mohammad Yusuf Wafa, Governor of Balkh Province. Representatives of relevant government agencies and business communities from both countries also took part in the meeting.

The discussions focused on supplying agricultural products grown in Afghanistan to the Uzbek market, as well as opportunities to export these products to third countries through Uzbekistan. In particular, proposals concerning the purchase, storage and transportation of fresh and dried fruits produced by Afghan farmers, as well as increasing export volumes, were considered.

Special attention was paid to making effective use of railway and road transport infrastructure, coordinating the activities of border crossing points and customs services, expediting cargo clearance procedures, and introducing a 24-hour operating schedule at border checkpoints.

The meeting also addressed issues related to strengthening the banks of the Amu Darya River, preventing risks associated with changes in the river's course, and ensuring the safety of riverside areas.

The dialogue is significant in terms of expanding practical cooperation between the two countries, creating new opportunities for businesses, and strengthening mutually beneficial trade relations.