President Mirziyoyev calls for closer ties and brotherhood with Afghanistan

During the session, which was broadcast by the "Uzbekistan24" television channel, the president noted that a strong partnership would be mutually beneficial for both nations. "We must be friends, brothers, and neighbors with them," the president remarked. He emphasized that the industrious nature of the Afghan population presents significant opportunities for shared economic growth.

Regional governors reported on their progress in establishing trade ties with the neighboring country. Khayrullo Bozorov, the governor of Fergana region, stated that his administration is making intensive preparations for investment and export projects directed toward Afghanistan. Meanwhile, Shuhrat Abdurahmonov, the governor of Andijan region, revealed that a substantial export contract worth $1 billion has already been secured. Out of this total, $600 million in goods and services are scheduled for delivery within the 2026 calendar year.

The Governor of Surkhandarya region, Ulugbek Qosimov, further elaborated on the strategic role of his border province. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Qosimov identified Afghanistan as a vital new market for Uzbek exports. He noted that Surkhandarya aims to achieve $1 billion in total exports this year, with half of that volume directed toward Afghanistan. The governor also discussed plans for re-exporting Afghan products to new global markets and expanding the supply of imported goods required to satisfy Afghanistan’s domestic demand.

Afghanistan remains one of Uzbekistan’s primary foreign trade partners. In 2025, trade turnover between the two countries reached $1.678 billion, marking a significant increase of $540 million compared to 2024 and $811 million compared to 2023.