Kazakhstan and Afghanistan have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to advance the construction and operation of the long-anticipated Trans-Afghan Railway, aimed at boosting connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia.
The agreement was signed between Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Transport and Afghanistan’s Ministry of Public Works during the official visit of Kazakh Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Murat Nurtleu to Kabul, according to Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
During the bilateral talks, both sides emphasized the importance of building efficient transport and logistics infrastructure to strengthen trade and economic ties. The Trans-Afghan Railway was highlighted as a key corridor for fostering regional trade and connectivity.
As part of the agreement, Kazakhstan reaffirmed its commitment to invest in the construction of the Turgundi–Herat railway section, which forms a crucial link in the broader Trans-Afghan route.
"We aim to increase trade turnover with Afghanistan to $3bn. To this end, Kazakhstan is ready to increase supplies of agricultural products, fuels and lubricants, mineral fertilizers, and chemical industry products," Foreign Minister Nurtleu stated.
In addition to boosting exports to Afghanistan, Kazakhstan is also looking to expand imports of Afghan goods. Afghan-produced fresh and dried fruits, mineral water, and soft drinks have already entered the Kazakh market in recent years.
Officials proposed expanding these imports via the western regions of Kazakhstan, using the border city of Turgundi and transit through Turkmenistan.
The Trans-Afghan Railway project, once completed, is expected to enhance regional integration, facilitate trade, and serve as a strategic transit corridor connecting Central Asia to key markets in South Asia and beyond.
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