In an interview with the UzA news agency, Hamza Boltaev systematically comments on Uzbekistan’s initiatives to ensure stability and development in Afghanistan. First and foremost, he emphasizes the importance of the “Termez Dialogue” in strengthening regional norms of trust and cooperation, using as context the issues raised in the President’s speech at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly: a neutral platform for negotiations, linking the security agenda with the economic agenda, and establishing pragmatic ties between neighbors.

 

Boltaev highlights the concept of the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway as a key project among economic and infrastructure initiatives. In his opinion, this corridor will harness Afghanistan’s transit potential, revitalize regional trade, logistics, and employment; at the same time, it will demonstrate to the international community that “economic integration is the most sustainable mechanism for ensuring security.”

 

From this perspective, he summarizes the practical value of Uzbekistan’s initiatives in three areas: (1) creating a permanent platform for discussion and coordination (the “Termez Dialogue”), (2) connecting Afghanistan to regional chains through infrastructure (railway and logistics hubs), (3) investment projects that promote socio-economic stabilization. In conclusion, Boltayev notes that this approach aims to resolve issues of international recognition and security through practical cooperation and harmonization of interests, rather than ideological disputes.

 

* The Institute for Advanced International Studies (IAIS) does not take institutional positions on any issues; the views represented herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the IAIS.