Uzbek PM in Afghanistan for first time since Taliban takeover

PM Abdulla Aripov visits Kabul, aiming to enhance bilateral trade and inaugurate an Uzbek product exhibition

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ISLAMABAD:

Uzbekistan's Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov on Saturday arrived on his first visit to Afghanistan after the Taliban returned to Kabul in 2021.

Aripov, heading a high-level delegation, was warmly welcomed by Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, administrative deputy prime minister of Taliban administration, ministers and senior Taliban officials at Kabul Airport.

During his stay in Kabul, he will meet with Taliban leaders to discuss bilateral relations, strengthen trade relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan, and inaugurate an exhibition showcasing Uzbekistani products, according to a statement issued by the Taliban administration.

On Friday, Afghan media reported that a trilateral meeting among economic ministers of Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, and Azerbaijan was held in Kabul to discuss ways to enhance trade ties between the three countries.