Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan agree to build 573-km-long railway

Afghanistan, Uzbekistan and Pakistan on Tuesday (2 February) signed a roadmap for a rail link to strengthen trade relations between Central and South Asia.

The proposed 573-km-long railway line will connect the Uzbek capital Tashkent with Pakistan's northern city of Peshawar via the Afghan capital, Kabul. Last month, the three countries signed a joint request for a $4.8 billion loan from international financial institutions for the Trans-Afghanistan Railway project.

The signing ceremony for the billion-dollar project took place in Uzbekistan's capital, Tashkent, and was attended by senior officials from the three countries.

Last month, Afghanistan and Turkmenistan inaugurated three significant energy and connectivity projects to strengthen bilateral and regional ties. The three projects include an electricity transmission project, a fibre optic line for high-speed internet and a railway line between the two neighbouring countries.

Also on Tuesday, the Afghan foreign minister led a high-level delegation in a meeting with the Uzbek Foreign Minister, Abdulaziz Kamilov, to discuss the development of bilateral relations, lasting regional peace, economic cooperation, and Afghanistan's position as a regional connector.

Uzbekistan's Deputy Prime Minister Sardor Umurzakov said on the occasion that peace and stability in Afghanistan would lead to development, economic growth and increased regional cooperation. 

Source: commonspace.eu with agencies

Related articles

Editor's choice
News
Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell tells the European Parliament that the situation in Afghanistan was critical, but the EU will remain engaged

Borrell underlined that the European Union will make every effort to support the peace process and to remain a committed partner to the Afghan people. "Of course, we will have to take into account the evolving situation, but disengagement is not an option.  We are clear on that: there is no alternative to a negotiated political settlement, through inclusive peace talks.
Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

UK, Canada and majority of EU Member States condemn Israel for ‘inhumane killing’ and say the war in Gaza ‘must end now’.

Israel’s isolation is increasing as twenty eight countries including the United Kingdom and a majority of Member States of the European Union issued a joint statement on Monday 21 July saying the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning Israel over 'inhumane killing' of Gaza civilians seeking aid. The foreign ministers of countries, also including Australia, Canada, the Netherlands, France, Italy and Japan, said “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths.” The statement described as “horrifying” the recent deaths of over 800 Palestinians who were seeking aid, according to the figures released by Gaza’s Health Ministry and the U.N. human rights office.