Abdul Rahman Munir, Deputy Minister for Counter-Narcotics, met with Mahmoud Khadimov, Head of the Central Asian Regional Information and Coordination Center (CARICC), and Azizbek Arkaboyev, adviser to the center, to discuss expanding joint efforts in combating drug trafficking.

During the meeting, Munir welcomed the CARICC delegation and emphasized that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, particularly the Counter-Narcotics Directorate, maintains comprehensive cooperation with neighboring and Central Asian countries. He called for further strengthening of these regional partnerships.

CARICC officials assured that they are committed to improving coordination and developing more effective collaboration with Afghanistan in counter-narcotics initiatives.

The meeting comes as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) reported a shift in drug consumption patterns in Afghanistan, noting a gradual move from traditional narcotics toward synthetic drugs and misuse of pharmaceutical medications.

According to the latest National Drug Use Survey—the third and final volume—cannabis (46%) and opium (19%) remain the most widely consumed substances.

However, the use of prescription tablets such as “ka” (11%) and methamphetamine (7%) is on the rise.

The survey was conducted in collaboration with UNODC and supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), highlighting the growing challenges Afghanistan faces in addressing evolving drug trends.

The cabinet of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) has approved a report on the spending of the national development budget, following deliberations at its 14th meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.

According to a statement issued by the Arg on Tuesday, the cabinet endorsed the development budget expenditure report and instructed relevant ministries and departments to ensure that allocated funds are spent on planned projects in a timely manner and in line with approved development plans.

The meeting also reviewed a range of key economic, social and cultural issues. Cabinet members emphasized the need for proper implementation of development activities and adherence to established timelines.

In addition, discussions were held on challenges facing refugees, with relevant authorities directed to identify and implement appropriate solutions to address their concerns.

Sadin Ayyıldız, the new head of Turkey’s diplomatic mission in Kabul, met in an introductory visit with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, to discuss the development of bilateral relations between the two countries.

During the meeting, Ayyıldız described relations between Afghanistan and Turkey as positive and emphasized the expansion of cooperation in economic and health fields, the Afghan Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Muttaqi also wished Ayyildiz success, described Turkey as a close friend of Afghanistan, and assessed bilateral relations as being on a path of progress.