Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Nigmatovich Aripov said in a meeting with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi that he intends to increase diplomatic relations with Afghanistan and may accept the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador in Tashkent in the near future, the ministry said in a statement on Saturday.  

Both sides discussed bilateral relations, economic, trade and transit cooperation between the two countries, the statement read.

Nigmatovich Aripov quoted the President of Uzbekistan as saying he insists on developing relations with Afghanistan.

Aripov stated that from now on, he would start issuing visas for Afghan businessmen, students and patients.

He emphasized that Afghanistan and Uzbekistan should use all potential capacities for the benefit of both countries.

Muttaqi also welcomed the positive stance of Uzbek president in international meetings and expressed hope that the political cooperation between the two countries will increase.

He said that Afghanistan is interested in its presence in regional organizations.

“There are many opportunities between the two countries in the fields of trade, energy and transportation that we should take advantage of,” said Muttaqi.

He added that by constructing the Trans-Afghan railway project, they will connect the two countries of Central and South Asia.

Muttaqi said that a new stage of development of bilateral relations will be opened by improving the level of diplomatic relations between the two countries.