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.

The Red Cross Society of China has provided $100,000 in cash assistance to the Afghan Red Crescent Society to support families affected by recent flooding in Afghanistan.

The contribution was formally handed over in a ceremony attended by Bao Xuhui, who presented the funds to Shahabuddin Delawar.

Speaking at the event, Delawar expressed appreciation for the continued support from China and its people, noting that such assistance has been vital during times of crisis. He said the funds would be distributed in a transparent and equitable manner to those most in need.

Bao reaffirmed China’s commitment to supporting Afghanistan, describing the donation as part of broader efforts to strengthen humanitarian cooperation between the two countries. He added that Beijing would continue to assist the Afghan people in the future.

Afghanistan has faced a series of devastating floods in recent months, compounding an already severe humanitarian crisis driven by economic instability, drought, and limited infrastructure.

Seasonal heavy rains—particularly during late winter and early spring—have triggered flash floods across several provinces, including low-lying and rural areas where drainage systems are weak or non-existent.

Provinces in the north, northeast, and parts of central Afghanistan have been among the hardest hit, with entire villages affected by sudden surges of water.

According to humanitarian agencies such as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, floods have destroyed homes, farmland, and critical infrastructure, leaving thousands of families displaced. Many communities rely on agriculture for survival, and the loss of crops and livestock has deepened food insecurity in already vulnerable regions.

The Afghan Red Crescent Society has been actively involved in emergency response efforts, providing shelter, food, and medical assistance to affected populations. However, aid agencies warn that resources remain limited, and access to remote areas continues to pose challenges.

Afghanistan is particularly prone to natural disasters due to a combination of factors, including mountainous terrain, deforestation, and the impacts of climate change. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns have increased the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events, including both droughts and floods.

These recurring disasters have placed additional strain on communities already struggling with poverty and limited access to basic services.

Humanitarian organizations have repeatedly called for increased international support to help Afghanistan strengthen disaster preparedness and response capacity, as well as to provide immediate relief to those affected.