Afghanistan, once viewed as a battleground for competition among global powers and regional states for decades, is increasingly being seen by many countries as a key driver of regional development and connectivity.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan said that Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin told representatives of member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization that sustainable development in Central Asia is closely linked to the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan.
According to the statement, Tajikistan supports international and regional diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving Afghanistan’s political situation. Dushanbe also favors expanding economic and trade cooperation with Kabul and supports the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people.
The statement further noted that the development of regional transport and energy connectivity projects could create greater opportunities for peace, economic growth, and regional integration in Afghanistan.
Political analysts describe Tajikistan’s recent remarks on Afghanistan as a positive signal of goodwill. They argue that the international community and regional countries increasingly recognize that Afghanistan is no longer a stage for geopolitical rivalry but rather a vital link for regional connectivity.
Political analyst Dr. Moeen Gul Tsamkani said that peace and security in Afghanistan could contribute significantly to regional prosperity, while renewed instability would directly affect neighboring countries, including those in Central Asia.
Another analyst, Shahsawar Sangarwal, stated that security conditions in Afghanistan have improved considerably and that concerns previously expressed by Central Asian countries regarding threats originating from Afghanistan have not been substantiated by any major cross-border terrorist incidents.
Experts also emphasize that Afghanistan’s participation in regional connectivity initiatives is essential and argue that the presence of Afghan representatives in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization is important for addressing the concerns of neighboring and regional countries and strengthening cooperation.
