Afghanistan-Central Asia Consultative Dialogue to Open in Kabul

Senior representatives from Central Asian countries are set to meet in Kabul on Sunday for talks on security, trade and regional cooperation.

The Taliban are set to host the “Afghanistan-Central Asia Consultative Dialogue” in Kabul on Sunday, marking a new regional diplomatic gathering since their return to power in 2021.

In a statement, the Taliban said the meeting will be chaired by their foreign minister and attended by senior representatives from Central Asian countries.

According to the statement, the talks will focus on political, economic and security issues, as well as regional cooperation, trade and transit links.

Although this is the first time the Taliban are hosting a meeting under this title in Kabul, similar regional gatherings have been held before with participation from Central Asian states and Taliban representatives.

One such example was the “Extraordinary Meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Central Asian Special Representatives on Afghanistan,” which was held in Astana, Kazakhstan, in February last year.

Such meetings have typically focused on regional stability, border security, trade, transport routes and developing a common understanding among neighboring states on Afghanistan’s future.

Despite years of regional engagement and repeated meetings with Taliban officials, no Central Asian country has formally recognized the Taliban government. Still, neighboring states have maintained practical contacts to protect trade, border and security interests.

According to the reports, China has also been mediating fresh talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan aimed at reducing conflict and improving regional stability.

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