Importance of Kyrgyzstan's Input in Afghan Political Matters
The Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan are forging ahead with efforts to strengthen their relations, as evidenced by a series of recent developments.
In August 2025, the Afghan Minister of Industry and Commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, visited Bishkek, Kyrgyz Republic. This visit marked a significant milestone, resulting in the signing of a roadmap, a memorandum of understanding on trade and economic cooperation, and agreements to establish trade houses in both Bishkek and Kabul.
The visit also saw discussions on expanding cooperation in various sectors, including transport, energy, the textile industry, education, and healthcare. The planned China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway, once integrated with the Trans-Afghan Corridor, could become a strategic link between Central and South Asia for Kyrgyz Republic.
The development of transport corridors could diversify trade routes for the Kyrgyz Republic and expand access to South Asian markets. One such key strategic initiative is the CASA-1000 energy project, which enables electricity exports to Afghanistan and Pakistan.
However, the development of Kyrgyz-Afghan relations is facing challenges. A reactive stance by Bishkek, Afghanistan's focus on larger regional states, and cultural and informational gaps are some of the hurdles that need to be overcome. The cultural and informational gap between the two countries reinforces cautious attitudes in Bishkek's policy toward Kabul and creates barriers to deeper engagement.
Initiatives in cultural diplomacy, academic exchanges, and people-to-people contacts are needed to overcome stereotypes and foster trust between the two nations. The involvement of Kyrgyz Republic in regional platforms enhances the region's collective weight and introduces a new partner to the Afghan track.
In a move that signifies a more proactive role, the Kyrgyz Republic could step forward to assume a more significant role in the development of Kyrgyz-Afghan relations and the Afghan agenda. This could lay the groundwork for practical measures, including a gradual movement toward the recognition of Afghanistan at the regional level.
It's worth noting that in 2024, bilateral trade between Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan amounted to approximately 66 million USD. Afghan exports to Kyrgyz Republic accounted for around $7 million, while imports from Kyrgyz Republic reached $59 million.
The Kyrgyz Republic officially removed the Taliban from its list of banned organizations in September 2024. This decision could pave the way for further strengthening of ties between the two nations.
The author, Islomkhon Gafarov, a PhD in Political Science and a Policy Analyst at the Center for Progressive Reforms, Tashkent, Uzbekistan, emphasises the need for sustained efforts to bridge the cultural and informational gaps between the two countries. Azizi extended an invitation to the Kyrgyz Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Afghanistan, a gesture that could further cement the growing relationship between the two nations.
CASA-1000 carries symbolic weight by creating an energy and cultural bridge between Central and South Asia. The project, once fully operational, could significantly boost economic ties between the nations and foster a spirit of regional cooperation.
In conclusion, the recent developments between the Kyrgyz Republic and Afghanistan underscore the potential for a deeper and more meaningful relationship between the two nations. With sustained efforts and a proactive approach, both countries could overcome the challenges and reap the benefits of a stronger partnership.
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