Kazakhstan launches initiative to integrate Afghanistan into Central Asian economy

A Kazakhstan delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu visited Kabul eyeing to boost sub-regional cooperation.

Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have agreed on the construction of the Trans-Afghan Railway.

During a visit to Kabul the two sides signed a memorandum on the construction of a railway connecting Central Asia and Afghanistan, it has been learnt.


Officials from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works and the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to build a 115km railway from Towrgondi on Afghanistan’s border with Turkmenistan to Herat.

Kazakhstan intends to invest in the Turgundi-Herat section and increase trade with Afghanistan to $3 billion per year.

The two sides also discussed the supply of Kazakh agricultural products, fuels and lubricants and fertilizers in exchange for Afghan goods. In addition, Nurtleu proposed expanding quotas for Afghan students in Kazakh universities.

Astana is advocating the integration of Afghanistan into the region's economy. Talks are underway to initiate direct flights between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan to increase bilateral business and people to people movement.