An extraordinary meeting of the Regional Contact Group of Special Representatives from Central Asian countries on Afghanistan took place in Astana on February 16, 2026, hosted by Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Kabul 24: The session brought together envoys from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan and explore practical avenues for enhanced cooperation.
Yerkin Tukumov (also spelled Tokumov), Kazakhstan’s Special Representative of the President for Afghanistan, highlighted a significant shift in his country’s perspective. Previously, Afghanistan was primarily viewed through the lens of security threats, but Astana now adopts an opportunity-oriented approach.
Tukumov stressed that Afghanistan holds potential as a vital land bridge connecting Central Asia to South Asia. He advocated for stronger political, economic, trade, and transit relations with Kabul, underscoring the need for constructive dialogue, coordinated regional positions, and identification of practical solutions to pressing issues.
Kazakhstan sees expanded engagement as key to regional stability, economic growth, and mutual benefits.Ismatulla Irgashev (also referred to as Ismatullah Ergashev or Irgashov), Uzbekistan’s Special Representative of the President for Afghanistan, echoed this pragmatic stance.
He announced that Central Asian nations are poised to advance toward implementing joint projects in Afghanistan and broadening regional collaboration.
Irgashev pointed to Uzbekistan’s rapidly growing trade with Afghanistan—reaching nearly $1.7 billion in the previous year—as evidence of economic potential.
He described Afghanistan as a promising connector between Central and South Asia, urging greater coordination among regional powers to address challenges while capitalizing on opportunities in trade, investment, and transit corridors.
The meeting, part of an ongoing mechanism established following the 2024 Consultative Meeting of Central Asian leaders and formalized with its first session in Tashkent in 2025, focused on trade, economic ties, transit development, and security coordination. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to regular consultations and working-level contacts to foster a unified strategy toward Afghanistan.
This gathering reflects a broader transition among Central Asian states—from a predominantly threat-based view to one that balances risks with opportunities.
By prioritizing practical cooperation, joint initiatives, and regional connectivity, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and their neighbors aim to promote long-term stability, reduce humanitarian challenges, and transform Afghanistan into a driver of shared prosperity rather than instability in the region.
