The Ministry of Interior says Sirajuddin Haqqani, acting minister of interior, met with the Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov for talks on various issues including security.

Both sides discussed bilateral relations, common cultural and historical issues and economic projects.

Saidov expressed his satisfaction with the efforts of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in ensuring the security of the country, the fight against drugs and the stability of the region.

Haqqani assured Saidov that security has been provided and called for the start of economic projects that are important for the stability of the region.

Before meeting with Haqqani, Saidov met with the Islamic Emirate’s Prime Minister Mullah Mohammad Hassan Akhund.

Saidov said in this meeting that his country will never leave Afghanistan alone, but wants to expand relations with Afghanistan.

He also said his country wants to invest in Afghanistan by establishing a cement factory, coal mines and a project to produce 200 megawatts of electricity from coal.

Referring to the Trans-Afghan railway, he added that in the near future, the professional and expert team of Uzbekistan will travel to Afghanistan for the technical review of this project.

Akhund emphasized the need to strengthen all-round relations between the two countries.

He also assured the Uzbek side that the necessary guidance will be given to the relevant departments and officials in terms of implementing projects.

Saidov and his delegation also met with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, the economic deputy prime minister.

In a newsletter, Baradar’s office quoted Saidov as saying that Tashkent will in the near future accept credentials of a new ambassador of the Islamic Emirate to Uzbekistan.

The Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan also said while in Kabul that his country is ready to cooperate with the Islamic Emirate on technical aspects of the Qosh Tepa Canal.

According to the newsletter, Baradar emphasized that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have common interests in various sectors and solid ground has been provided to achieve these interests.