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Afghanistan and Uzbekistan sign $243 million power project agreements
In a significant step toward regional energy cooperation, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan on Sunday signed contracts for four major electricity infrastructure projects worth approximately $243 million.
The agreements were formalized in Kabul in the presence of Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, and Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov.
Signed between Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat (DABS) and Uzbek counterparts, the projects are expected to be completed within 18 months and will enable Afghanistan to import between 800 to 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan.
The four key projects include:
500 kV Surkhan–Dasht-e-Alwan Transmission Line (1,000 MW capacity),
Expansion of Arghandi Substation (800 MVA capacity), 220 kV Kabul–Sheikh Mesri Transmission Line (800 MW capacity), and the Construction of Sheikh Mesri Substation in Nangarhar (126 MVA capacity).
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Jurabek Mirzamahmudov, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Energy, highlighted the strategic importance of the partnership:
“The agreement we signed today is the result of direct support from the leaders of both countries. In Uzbekistan, our leadership strongly supports Afghanistan and its people, and we are fully prepared to cooperate to help Afghanistan become a stable and developed nation.
“We all understand that this is a major project that will play a key role in the growth of Afghanistan’s industry, particularly in the regions it will pass through.
“As I discussed with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, Uzbekistan will utilize all available resources to ensure this project is completed on time and with high quality,” he said.
Abdul Bari Omar, CEO of DABS, emphasized the broader benefits of the projects: “The transmission of nearly 1,000 megawatts of electricity from Uzbekistan will play a major and vital role in the growth of industry, agriculture, and in creating employment opportunities for our youth.”
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High-level Kyrgyz delegation arrives in Kabul
The Ministry of Industry and Commerce announced on Tuesday that a high-level delegation from Kyrgyzstan has arrived in Kabul.
According to the ministry’s statement, the purpose of the delegation’s visit is to expand economic cooperation and increase trade and investment between Kyrgyzstan and Afghanistan.
The statement added that during the visit, the Kyrgyz delegation will meet with officials of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and participate in the Trade Communication Conference as well as bilateral meetings.
The delegation will also visit industrial facilities and various enterprises operating in Afghanistan.
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Russia calls for broad engagement with Afghan authorities
Russia has urged the international community to adopt a comprehensive and non-politicized approach toward Afghanistan, emphasizing dialogue, regional cooperation, and practical support to stabilize the country and prevent further security deterioration.
Speaking at a recent UN Security Council meeting, Russia’s Permanent Representative, Vassily Nebenzia, said that contrary to Western predictions following the withdrawal of foreign troops, Afghanistan did not collapse. He argued that despite ongoing sanctions, Afghan authorities are making efforts to address long-standing challenges and pursue regional cooperation aimed at building a self-reliant state, though he acknowledged the process would take time and require international support.
Nebenzia said Russia continues to back the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and supports initiatives such as the Doha Process, which promotes engagement with the Islamic Emirate and Afghanistan’s gradual reintegration into global affairs. He stressed that constructive dialogue with the Afghan authorities is essential and warned against what he described as pressure, ultimatums, or sanctions-driven approaches, saying these could harden positions and undermine UN efforts on the ground.
The Russian envoy said regional players, including members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), share the view that engagement is the only viable path forward.
He also called for progress on unfreezing Afghan assets and expanding development assistance, warning that failure to do so could lead to a further drawdown of the UN presence in the country.
On security, Nebenzia expressed concern about ongoing terrorist threats, particularly from Islamic State Khorasan Province (ISKP), also known as Daesh, noting that the group continues to receive external funding and recruit foreign fighters, including individuals with combat experience from Syria and Iraq.
He also raised alarm over uncertainty surrounding weapons left behind by NATO forces and warned of the growing production of synthetic drugs, which he said is closely linked to terrorism.
Nebenzia said Russia supports dialogue between Afghanistan and Pakistan amid rising tensions linked to militant activity, urging both sides to expand cooperation, especially on counterterrorism.
He also highlighted the worsening socio-economic situation in Afghanistan and praised humanitarian agencies for continuing their work despite funding cuts. Russia, he said, remains engaged in providing assistance and expanding cooperation with Afghanistan in political, security, and economic fields.
The Russian envoy reiterated Moscow’s support for the rights of all Afghans and the formation of an inclusive government, calling for respect for fundamental freedoms, including access to education and employment, without discrimination.
Nebenzia concluded by urging the UN to engage with Afghanistan’s “real authorities” to help resolve the country’s challenges and support its reintegration into the international community.
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Afghanistan’s public health minister begins official visit to India
Afghanistan’s Minister of Public Health, Noor Jalal Jalali, has embarked on an official visit to India at the invitation of the Indian government, leading a delegation from the ministry.
In a statement, the Ministry of Public Health said the visit is aimed at strengthening health cooperation between the two countries, promoting the exchange of expertise, and coordinating joint health programs.
During the trip, Jalali is expected to hold meetings with Indian officials, particularly those from the health sector, and take part in a series of pre-arranged engagements.
Discussions will focus on capacity building for Afghan health workers, the import of standard medicines to Afghanistan, access to medical equipment, and other areas of cooperation.
The ministry said the visit is intended to open a new chapter in health collaboration between Afghanistan and India, with a focus on improving healthcare services and professional development.
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