The first meeting of “Termez Dialogue” themed “Building a Shared Space of Peace, Friendship and Prosperity,” was held with the participation of political, economic, and trade representatives from over 20 countries, aimed at reviewing mutual engagement between Central and South Asia.
Mohammad Naeem, deputy minister of finance and administration at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate, said during the meeting that Afghanistan should become a regional connector, a transit route, and a platform for trade and cultural cooperation among countries in the region.
Abdul Ghafar, the Islamic Emirate’s ambassador to Uzbekistan, also commented on the meeting: “The Termez Dialogue and similar events are not only important for Afghanistan but for the entire region. These types of meetings are valuable for establishing new relations and expanding regional cooperation. The Termez meeting holds special significance for Afghanistan, as it enables Afghan traders and investors to directly connect with those in the region.”
Several members of the leadership of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, who attended the Termez Dialogue on behalf of the Afghan private sector, believe the meeting plays a key role in strengthening trade, transit, and economic cooperation between Central and South Asia.
Mohammad Younus Mohmand, first deputy of the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, said: “In this session, the Deputy for Trade of the Chamber, Mr. Alokozay, along with representatives from provincial chambers, were present. We are all well aware of the existing problems in Termez. One of our major issues is obtaining transit visas, which are essential for trade and transit activities.”
This meeting was organized with the cooperation of the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and the country’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Around 200 representatives from political, economic, and commercial circles, financial institutions, international and regional organizations, and prominent experts from research centers across Central and South Asia, Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, the Asia-Pacific region, the United States, and the Middle East are participating. The forum will conclude on May 21.