KABUL_ A high-level Tajikistan delegation, including officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, security institutions, and other key departments, arrived in Kabul on Saturday, November 15, 2025, according to reliable sources.
Purpose of the Visit
Tajikistan, which in recent years had lagged behind other Central Asian countries in directly engaging with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, now appears determined to establish a foundation for direct political relations and bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan. The source described the move as a significant development in Tajikistan’s approach toward fostering better ties with Kabul.Relations between Afghanistan and Tajikistan have often been strained, with Dushanbe seeking partnerships elsewhere in the region. However, the current Kabul diplomatic talks signal a recalibration of Tajikistan’s foreign policy, showing readiness to re-engage directly with Afghanistan.
Key Areas of Discussion
The Tajikistan foreign ministry visit is expected to include meetings with senior Afghan officials to discuss:
- Expansion of bilateral political relations
- Strengthening economic cooperation and trade opportunities
- Enhancing security collaboration between the two countries
In addition, talks will cover issues related to the Afghan embassy in Dushanbe and other matters of diplomatic importance. Sources indicate that discussions may also touch upon cross-border infrastructure projects, trade facilitation, and mechanisms for addressing security concerns along shared borders.
Regional Context
Observers note that Tajikistan’s renewed engagement comes at a time when Central Asian states are reassessing their ties with Afghanistan under the Islamic Emirate. While Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have already advanced cooperation in trade and infrastructure, Tajikistan’s latest initiative signals its intent to align more closely with regional developments.
For Tajikistan, the Kabul bilateral meetings represent an opportunity to catch up with its neighbors in building economic and political bridges with Afghanistan. Analysts suggest that the delegation’s arrival could help reduce diplomatic isolation and open new avenues for Tajikistan-
Trade and Regional Linkages
While the visit focuses on expanding political, economic, and security cooperation, it also comes at a time when Afghanistan is seeking new trade partners after strained relations with Pakistan. The ongoing Pak-Afghan trade issues highlight Kabul’s push to diversify economic ties, making cooperation with Tajikistan and other regional countries increasingly important.
However, analysts caution that no matter how much Afghanistan seeks alternatives and builds new partnerships, the lack of trade with Pakistan will inevitably affect Afghanistan’s economy. Pakistan has historically been one of Afghanistan’s largest trading partners, and disruptions in this corridor create challenges for Afghan businesses and consumers. Strengthening ties with Tajikistan and other Central Asian states may help offset these difficulties, but the impact of reduced Pak-Afghan trade will continue to be felt in Kabul’s economic landscape.
