RASC News Agency: Ibrahim Abdurakhmanov, Minister of Agriculture of the Republic of Uzbekistan, has reaffirmed Tashkent’s readiness to assist in the modernization of Afghanistan’s agricultural infrastructure particularly in the development of efficient irrigation systems during a formal meeting with a Taliban delegation in Tashkent. The engagement took place as part of the official visit by Ataullah Omari, the Taliban’s Acting Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock, accompanied by senior officials of the group.
In a statement released Saturday, April 13, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Agriculture reported that the two sides held comprehensive discussions aimed at expanding bilateral cooperation, enhancing technical partnerships, and launching joint agricultural initiatives.Notably, images circulated from the meeting venue showed only the national flag of Uzbekistan, with no Taliban flag on display an apparent reflection of Tashkent’s continued position of withholding formal recognition of the Taliban administration. The Uzbek Ministry further announced its willingness to offer capacity-building programs for Afghan technical experts in the agricultural sector. The Taliban delegation reportedly welcomed the initiatives, describing them as “promising and constructive.”
Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Ministry of Agriculture stated that the purpose of the visit was not only to bolster agricultural ties but also to initiate dialogue on the broader challenges posed by climate change and the management of transboundary water resources, specifically those linked to the Amu Darya river basin. Although Uzbekistan, like the majority of the international community, has not formally recognized the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, it continues to maintain diplomatic and economic engagement with the group, reflecting a pragmatic regional approach.
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev recently emphasized Afghanistan’s strategic importance in regional connectivity and called for the prevention of the country’s international isolation. These remarks were met with approval by Taliban officials, who lauded the current state of bilateral relations with Tashkent as being at their “peak.”
