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
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.

Popular

Editor's choice
News
US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

US and Ukraine sign deal giving US access to country’s valuable mineral wealth

The United States and Ukraine have signed a minerals deal after a two-month delay, in what President Donald Trump's administration called a new form of US commitment to Kyiv after the end of military aid. Ukraine said it secured key interests after protracted negotiations, including full sovereignty over its own rare earths, which are vital for new technologies and largely untapped. Trump had initially demanded rights to Ukraine's mineral wealth as compensation for US weapons sent under former president Joe Biden after Russia invaded just over three years ago.