Regional experts and policymakers have underscored the growing importance of the Central Asia-Afghanistan Consultative Dialogue in strengthening cooperation, during a roundtable held in Tashkent.

The discussion, hosted by the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), brought together representatives from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, including diplomats, think tanks and leading regional experts. The event was organised by Afghanistan’s Center for Strategic Studies under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Participants focused on the future direction of the consultative dialogue and its role in promoting bilateral ties and broader regional cooperation.

IICA Director Javlon Vakhabov welcomed the recent launch of the dialogue in Kabul, describing it as a significant step toward building constructive and pragmatic engagement between Afghanistan and Central Asian states. He emphasised the role of research institutions in supporting political processes with expert analysis and practical policy recommendations.

Meanwhile, Abdul Hai Qanit, Director of Afghanistan’s Center for Strategic Studies, highlighted the contribution of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in advancing regional cooperation. He pointed to Tashkent’s economic-focused approach as a catalyst for more pragmatic and results-driven engagement with Afghanistan.

The roundtable concluded with participants reaffirming their commitment to deepening cooperation, enhancing expert-level dialogue and pursuing joint initiatives aimed at boosting regional connectivity and development.

The Central Asia–Afghanistan Consultative Dialogue is increasingly seen as a key platform for fostering stability and economic integration in the region.

The international approach to Afghanistan continues to evolve nearly five years after the Islamic Emirate takeover, with the United Nations and regional actors increasingly favouring pragmatic engagement over isolation.

The United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) remains central to this effort, serving as a diplomatic intermediary between the authorities and the international community, The Diplomat reported this week. Operating under a UN Security Council mandate, the mission focuses on political engagement, human rights monitoring, and coordination of humanitarian assistance in a deteriorating socio-economic environment.

UN officials argue that engagement remains the only viable option given current realities. While sanctions target individuals rather than the state, the absence of international recognition continues to limit investment and long-term development.

Regional cooperation, particularly with Central Asia, is also gaining importance. Countries in the region are expanding their role in humanitarian logistics, trade, and infrastructure connectivity, with the Uzbek city of Termez emerging as a key aid hub.

Efforts to build a unified international framework remain complicated by differing positions among global and regional actors, as well as the Afghan authorities themselves. However, UNAMA maintains that dialogue channels remain open despite persistent trust deficits.

At the same time, a broader regional development architecture is taking shape. The planned 2025 launch of the UN Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals in Almaty — supported by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev — is expected to complement UNAMA’s immediate role by focusing on long-term priorities across Central Asia.

Together, these initiatives reflect a shift toward structured, gradual engagement, with Afghanistan increasingly viewed through the lens of managed cooperation rather than isolation.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced the delivery of 530 tons of humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip through Egypt’s Rafah crossing.

The ministry’s statement noted that the aid was prepared under the directive of the Office of the Prime Minister and procured by an Afghan delegation in Egypt.

According to the statement, the shipment includes food supplies, clothing, and other essential items. The aid was transported in 42 trucks and is valued at approximately $500,000. It is expected to be distributed to around 22,000 families in Gaza.

The statement further noted that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has called on the international community to take meaningful and effective steps toward establishing a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.

The statement also reiterated Afghanistan’s principled stance on the Palestinian issue, emphasizing that it should be resolved based on historical realities and the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people.