The Taliban administration hosted a regional forum of think tanks and research centres in Kabul on 16 June, bringing together representatives from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. The meeting focused on strengthening economic, transit and security cooperation, underscoring the Taliban’s efforts to deepen ties with Central Asia and diversify Afghanistan’s trade routes.
The forum was organised by the Strategic Studies Centre of the Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Participants discussed ways to expand regional connectivity, trade, investment and energy cooperation, as well as major infrastructure projects linking Central and South Asia.
Among the initiatives reviewed were the TAPI gas pipeline, the CASA-1000 electricity project, the Lapis Lazuli Corridor and a range of rail and road projects designed to improve regional transport links.
The discussions reflected Afghanistan’s growing interest in alternative trade corridors. The country has traditionally relied on transit routes through Pakistan, while routes through Iran have also played a major role in external trade. However, disruptions linked to border tensions and regional instability have increased the importance of developing connections through Central Asia.
Azerbaijan’s participation highlighted the significance of the Lapis Lazuli Corridor, which links Afghanistan to Turkey and Europe via Turkmenistan, the Caspian Sea and the South Caucasus.
Speaking at the opening session, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said cooperation among research institutions could help transform political agreements reached during the Afghanistan–Central Asia dialogue in April 2026 into practical proposals. He also called for closer coordination on regional security, stability and connectivity.
The forum follows the first Afghanistan–Central Asia Consultative Dialogue held in Kabul in April 2026, where officials discussed political, economic, security and transit cooperation. The latest meeting expands those contacts to the policy and research level.
The gathering signals the Taliban’s continued focus on regional economic integration and infrastructure development. If cooperation advances, Afghanistan could gain additional trade and transit options through Central Asia, reducing its dependence on traditional routes while strengthening ties with regional partners despite ongoing international non-recognition.
