Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, has welcomed Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s support for the Afghan–Trans corridor project, calling it an important step toward regional connectivity.
Khalilzad said the success of the project could help bring greater stability and prosperity to Afghanistan, Pakistan and the countries of Central Asia.
The strategic railway is 681 kilometres long and passes through Afghanistan. The project is expected to connect Central Asian countries to the Pakistani ports of Gwadar and Karachi.
According to reports, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the opening ceremony of the fifth Tashkent International Forum that his country is seriously working on the Afghan–Trans corridor to gain access to southern waters.
He emphasized that the completion of the project would help connect the region to a transport network linking Asia and Europe.
Khalilzad wrote on X that he welcomes Mirziyoyev’s leadership and support for the Afghan–Trans corridor.
“This corridor is a very important step toward connecting Central Asia and Afghanistan to South Asia, the Arabian Sea, the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean,” he said.
According to him, the success of the project could help Central Asian countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan achieve greater prosperity and enjoy more stability.
Khalilzad described the state of relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan as one of the major obstacles to implementing the strategic project.
“The obvious and potential benefits of this project should provide further incentive for both countries to resolve their differences through diplomatic solutions and agreements,” he said.
He also wrote that the Taliban have expressed their interest in the project, and Pakistan’s military leadership should respond positively in return.
Khalilzad added that both sides should think about a positive and hopeful future and avoid repeating past mistakes.
Ahmad Sohaib Hasrat
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