Private sector representatives from Afghanistan and Uzbekistan have signed dozens of trade agreements worth a combined $151.16 million during a business meeting in Kabul, as both countries seek to expand economic cooperation and strengthen bilateral trade ties.

The agreements were signed by representatives of around 80 companies from both countries across various economic and commercial sectors.

Speaking at the meeting, Mojib Rahman Shirzad, Deputy Head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment, described expanding trade and economic relations between Kabul and Tashkent as important for both countries.

He said increased exchanges of government and private-sector delegations in recent months had created opportunities for direct engagement between business communities, helping pave the way for stronger commercial cooperation.

Meanwhile, Yarqin Malikov, Chairman of the Uzbekistan Exporters Association, said trade relations between the two countries had expanded significantly.

According to Malikov, bilateral trade, which previously stood at around $80 million, has now exceeded $1.8 billion.

He attributed the growth to stronger relations between the two countries and increasing mutual trust among Afghan and Uzbek business communities.

Malikov also said Uzbek investors and business representatives were exploring Afghanistan’s commercial potential and considering opportunities to establish joint ventures in the country.

He noted that trade figures during 2024 and 2025, particularly the first seven months of 2026, demonstrated significant growth in economic relations between the neighbouring countries.

The signing of the agreements comes as an Afghan delegation, led by the Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Livestock, travelled to Uzbekistan on Saturday.

The delegation is expected to meet Uzbek officials to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation in several sectors, particularly agriculture.

The latest business agreements are expected to create further opportunities for private-sector cooperation, investment and increased trade between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Afghanistan needs a strong, professionally trained and well-equipped army to safeguard its sovereignty and territorial integrity, the country’s Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Fasihuddin Fitrat, has said.

Fitrat said the armed forces were prepared to defend Afghanistan against internal and external threats, stressing that military strength was essential to preserving the country’s independence.

He said Afghanistan’s independence had been achieved through years of struggle and sacrifice by the Mujahideen, adding that maintaining it required a modern military equipped with advanced weapons and properly trained personnel.

According to Fitrat, strengthening the military was not about threatening neighbouring countries or pursuing territorial expansion, but about protecting Afghanistan from aggression, pressure and foreign interference.

He said a capable armed force would also help the Islamic Emirate maintain security and provide an environment in which Afghans could live in peace.

Military independence a priority

Fitrat emphasised the need to build an independent and professional military, criticising the former Afghan National Defence and Security Forces for their reliance on foreign support.

He argued that the previous military lacked the ability to operate independently and blamed former government officials for its collapse following the withdrawal of international forces.

He said military and economic independence remained central priorities for the Islamic Emirate, adding that while Afghanistan wanted friendly relations with other countries, it would not accept foreign control over its economy or natural resources.

Fitrat criticises Pakistan’s border restrictions

Turning to tensions with Pakistan, Fitrat criticised Islamabad over restrictions at border crossings, accusing it of closing routes during Afghanistan’s export season while reopening them when imports were required.

He said the Islamic Emirate had responded to the restrictions and insisted that Afghanistan would not remain dependent on other countries for its defence requirements.

Fitrat also claimed that Afghanistan had experienced five years of peace and security and made progress in several sectors, alleging that some countries were unwilling to accept these developments.

Warning to armed opposition groups

Fitrat issued a warning to armed opposition groups, urging individuals he accused of operating under foreign direction to return to Afghanistan and surrender to the judicial authorities.

He said those who returned could live in the country with dignity but warned that anyone continuing armed activities would face the country’s security forces.

He stressed that no individual or group would be allowed to threaten public safety or disrupt the lives of ordinary Afghans.

Denies opposition presence in Badakhshan

Addressing reports of opposition fighters operating in Badakhshan, Fitrat dismissed claims and footage allegedly showing fighters in the province’s mountainous areas.

He claimed that some footage circulating as evidence of opposition activity in Badakhshan had actually been filmed in Pakistan’s Chitral region.

Fitrat insisted that no opposition fighters were present in the mountains of Badakhshan, adding that Afghanistan’s security and intelligence forces were active throughout the country.

He also dismissed opposition groups as largely symbolic organisations, claiming their members were based in Pakistan and operating under foreign influence.

Fitrat concluded by assuring the public that the armed forces would continue working to prevent security threats and protect the country’s population.

Germany has called for continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and sustained technical engagement with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, while stressing the need to keep the rights of Afghan women and girls high on the international agenda.

Tobias Krause, Germany’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, made the remarks on Saturday in Berlin, emphasizing that the international community must continue addressing Afghanistan’s humanitarian needs while maintaining its focus on the situation of women and girls.

Krause also highlighted the importance of maintaining technical communication with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to facilitate humanitarian programmes and respond to the needs of the Afghan population.

He stressed that international assistance to Afghanistan should continue despite ongoing political and human rights concerns.

The two-day conference, held on Friday and Saturday in Berlin, brought together Afghan and German politicians, experts and other participants to discuss the country’s current situation and future prospects.

Titled “Afghanistan: The End of a Chapter? What Comes Next After Five Years of IEA Rule?”, the conference examined political developments, human rights, the humanitarian crisis, women’s and girls’ rights, and the future of international engagement with Afghanistan.

Participants exchanged views on possible approaches to addressing the country’s challenges and the role of the international community in supporting the Afghan people.

The discussions highlighted the continuing challenge of balancing humanitarian assistance, human rights concerns and diplomatic engagement with Afghanistan’s current authorities.