ASTANA, Kazakhstan — Karen Decker, the U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, highlighted shared security, economic, and social interests in Afghanistan during a recent visit to Kazakhstan’s capital.
“Appreciated the warm welcome in Astana; glad to exchange views on shared security, economic and social interests in Afghanistan,” Decker posted on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter. She emphasized the importance of regional efforts to support the Afghan people, adding, “Afghanistan is not forgotten!”
According to Decker, discussions during the visit underscored a strong consensus on the need for continued support to Afghanistan, particularly in the areas of regional connectivity and strengthening people-to-people ties.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry released a statement following the visit, noting that Deputy Foreign Minister Alibek Bakayev met with Decker to address regional security and strategies for restoring Afghanistan’s economy. Bakayev stressed the importance of humanitarian aid, outlining Kazakhstan’s ongoing efforts, which include educating Afghan students and collaborating with international organizations on various projects aimed at improving social stability.
The Kazakh diplomat also reiterated Kazakhstan’s commitment to strengthening trade, energy, and transport ties with Afghanistan, with a focus on practical cooperation to enhance regional stability.
