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Uzbekistan has delivered more than 26 tons of certified agricultural seeds to Afghan farmers and agricultural organizations, according to the Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture. The donation is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen regional cooperation and reflects President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s foreign policy priority of fostering close relations with neighboring countries. The seed shipment, provided by Uzbekistan’s Center for Seed Development, includes 5 tons of cotton seeds (sufficient for 200 hectares), 20 tons of rice seeds (for 100 hectares), 500 kilograms of mung beans (25 hectares), 187 kilograms of vegetable seeds, and 600 kilograms of melon seeds. All varieties are certified, high-quality, and adapted to the agro-climatic conditions of Afghanistan. Earlier this year, a delegation led by Afghanistan’s Minister of Agriculture, Irrigation, and Livestock visited Uzbekistan. The group toured agricultural enterprises and research institutions in Tashkent and Samarkand, gaining insights into digital farming tools, modern irrigation systems, and advanced food processing technologies. The Uzbek Ministry of Agriculture noted that the seed aid will contribute to improving food security in Afghanistan, stimulate rural employment, and help introduce new farming technologies. Agricultural cooperation has become a cornerstone of bilateral economic relations. In 2023, trade between the two countries totaled $866 million. That figure rose to $1.1 billion in 2024, with over $1 billion attributed to Uzbek exports. Approximately 550 Afghan-invested businesses are currently operating in Uzbekistan.
Kazakhstan has donated five locomotives to Kyrgyzstan as part of ongoing cooperation in transport infrastructure, the Kazakhstan Agency of International Development (KazAID) announced. Two shunting locomotives and three mainline locomotives were transferred free of charge to Kyrgyz Temir Jolu, Kyrgyzstan’s national railway company. The donation was facilitated by KazAID, which aims to strengthen Kazakhstan’s regional ties through cooperation in transport, energy, and infrastructure. “This step demonstrates the continued successful implementation of official assistance, contributing to the development and strengthening of fraternal relations between Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan,” said KazAID Chairman Arken Arystanov. The locomotives are expected to significantly enhance freight transportation and maneuverability on Kyrgyzstan’s railways, supporting the country’s economic growth and regional connectivity. Kyrgyzstan’s Railway Modernization Efforts Kyrgyzstan has recently taken key steps to modernize its railway infrastructure and expand regional transport links. Trans-Eurasian Route Project: In February 2025, Kyrgyzstan signed a public-private partnership (PPP) agreement with U.S.-based consortium All American Rail Group Global Infrastructure Partner LLC for the construction of a $3 billion railway. The new east-west line will traverse Kyrgyzstan’s mountainous terrain, connecting Karakol in the Issyk-Kul region with Makmal in Jalal-Abad. China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan Railway: In December 2024, construction officially began on this 523-kilometer railway, designed to serve as a key east- west trade corridor. The project will link China, Central Asia, the Middle East (including Turkey, and the European Union.) Kazakhstan’s locomotive donation aligns with Kyrgyzstan’s broader efforts to enhance regional transport infrastructure, strengthening economic ties and facilitating greater trade opportunities.
