Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have discussed expanding bilateral cooperation in livestock farming, animal breeding and agricultural development, including plans to provide specialized training for Afghan experts.

According to Uzbekistan’s state news agency, UzA, an Afghan delegation led by Sadr Azam Usmani, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock, visited Uzbekistan’s Livestock and Pasture Development Agency to explore opportunities for strengthening cooperation in the sector.

During the meeting, officials from both sides discussed Uzbekistan’s experience in livestock farming, modern breeding technologies, cattle trade and professional training for agricultural specialists.

The Uzbek side also proposed issuing transit permits for breeding cattle imported from Iran through Afghanistan, creating a potential new opportunity for regional livestock trade.

The two sides agreed to organize advanced training courses and practical workshops, allowing Afghan specialists to receive free training in cattle breeding and artificial insemination.

Other issues discussed included supplying Afghanistan with improved breeding cattle and high-genetic-potential seeds, expanding livestock-related import and export activities, and exchanging technical expertise.

The discussions aim to strengthen agricultural cooperation between the two neighbouring countries and support the development of Afghanistan’s livestock sector through technology transfer, professional training and joint initiatives.

A dialogue on Islamic microfinance was held in Kabul on Wednesday, bringing together representatives of financial institutions, government authorities, international partners and Afghanistan’s microfinance sector to discuss ways of expanding inclusive financial services in the country.

The event was organized by The Liaison Office in coordination with the Afghanistan Microfinance Association (AMA), Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) and the Indonesian Embassy in Kabul.

Participants discussed opportunities and challenges facing the development of Islamic microfinance services, with a focus on expanding access to financial products that comply with Islamic Sharia principles.

Representatives of AMA, Da Afghanistan Bank and the Indonesian Ambassador to Afghanistan delivered keynote remarks, highlighting the current situation of the microfinance sector, international experiences and opportunities for developing diverse Islamic financial products.

Two panel discussions focused on major challenges facing microfinance institutions, including structural barriers to growth, limited access to capital, funding and liquidity constraints, difficulties in securing guarantees, and the long-term sustainability of Islamic microfinance services.

Participants also explored practical solutions and future steps to strengthen the sector, emphasizing the importance of cooperation, knowledge-sharing and better coordination among relevant institutions.

The dialogue concluded with calls for stronger collaboration among financial institutions and development partners to improve access to inclusive, sustainable and Sharia-compliant financial services across Afghanistan.

Russian President Vladimir Putin says member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) are closely monitoring the security situation in Afghanistan amid broader efforts to strengthen security along the alliance’s external borders.

Putin made the remarks on Wednesday during a meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council at the Kremlin, which he chaired. According to Russia’s state-run RIA Novosti news agency, he said developments in Afghanistan remain among the key issues receiving attention from member states.

Earlier, the CSTO Secretary-General identified efforts to counter cross-border threats and a programme to strengthen the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border as major priorities for regional security.

Meanwhile, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk is scheduled to arrive in Kabul on Thursday, November 12, leading a high-level economic delegation.

Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, head of the Information and Public Relations Department of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and Russia, explore investment opportunities and discuss potential joint economic projects.

The delegation is also expected to include Russian investors and business representatives.

The developments highlight the growing attention being given to both economic cooperation and regional security in Afghanistan’s relations with Russia and other neighbouring states.