Kabul: Afghanistan is set to host a high-level regional meeting of strategic research and policy institutions in Kabul on June 16, bringing together leading experts and officials from Central Asia and the Caucasus to discuss regional cooperation, connectivity, and economic integration.
The event, organised by the Strategic Studies Centre of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, will convene heads of strategic studies centres, researchers, and policy specialists from Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Azerbaijan. The participating institutions function under the presidential administrations of their respective countries.
According to organisers, the meeting comes at a time of increasing engagement between Afghanistan and neighbouring regional states. Discussions are expected to focus on key issues, including regional connectivity, stability, trade, energy cooperation, transit networks, investment opportunities, and mechanisms for strengthening regional collaboration.
Participants will review existing frameworks of cooperation and explore practical recommendations aimed at enhancing economic and political ties across the region. The forum will also provide an opportunity for direct exchanges among research institutions on common challenges and emerging opportunities, with the goal of promoting greater coordination and mutual understanding.
The gathering will be formally inaugurated by Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Organisers said the forum reflects Afghanistan’s balanced and economy-focused foreign policy approach and is expected to contribute to confidence-building measures, expanded economic and transit cooperation, and long-term regional stability and prosperity.
The initiative also highlights Afghanistan’s efforts to strengthen its role as a regional partner in advancing connectivity, trade links, and broader economic integration across Central Asia and neighbouring regions.
