Trade routes through Afghanistan took centre stage in Almaty as the European Union, Central Asian states and the United Nations discussed the country's role in shaping regional security and economic connectivity.
At the eighth meeting of special representatives and envoys on Afghanistan, officials focused on transport, logistics and transit corridors crossing Afghan territory, describing them as crucial to expanding trade between Central and South Asia and strengthening links with Europe.
The discussions reflected a broader dilemma facing the region. Afghanistan remains a source of security concerns, yet its strategic location makes it difficult to ignore.
For landlocked Central Asian countries seeking new access to international markets, routes through Afghanistan could provide vital connections to the south. For the European Union, improving regional connectivity has become increasingly important as trade routes evolve under geopolitical pressure.
Security nevertheless remained central to the talks. Participants discussed developments in Afghanistan and their impact on regional stability, alongside international efforts to support the country's long-term socio-economic development.
Kazakhstan, which hosted the meeting, used the talks to reaffirm its support for diplomatic approaches to regional challenges and closer cooperation between Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Participants also highlighted Kazakhstan's humanitarian and educational initiatives linked to Afghanistan, as well as its role in promoting regional economic integration.
The United Nations' role in coordinating international support for Afghanistan featured prominently in discussions, including through the UN Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty. The centre was established following an initiative proposed by Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev at the UN.
The meeting also underscored Almaty's growing role as a venue for regional diplomacy, with participants describing the city as an increasingly important platform for dialogue on security, sustainable development and humanitarian cooperation.
The talks concluded with a renewed commitment to cooperation between Central Asian states, the EU and the UN.
However, the shift in emphasis was notable. Afghanistan is increasingly being discussed not only as a security challenge, but also as a potential trade corridor linking the region to wider markets.
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