In a major diplomatic move, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov arrived in Kabul on Saturday, the second-highest-profile visit by a foreign official since the Taliban returned to power three years ago.
The Uzbekistan Prime Minister was welcomed on a red carpet at Kabul International Airport by Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi.
Aripov’s visit to Kabul is aimed at discussing bilateral relations and strengthening trade ties between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, the Afghan Ministry of Trade and Industry said in a statement.
Five trade and investment agreements were signed between the two countries, the ministry added. The Uzbek prime minister will also open an exhibition of Uzbek products.
The visit follows a trilateral meeting between Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, where economic ministers discussed ways to improve regional trade.
Since the Taliban returned to power, Uzbekistan has maintained good political relations with the Taliban government, recognizing the importance of stability in the region. The two countries share a 144-kilometer border.
The Taliban government is still not internationally recognized.
