An Uzbek military delegation led by Uzbekistan’s intelligence chief in a meeting with Taliban’s interior minister Sirajuddin Haqqani discussed expanding bilateral security cooperation, counter-narcotics efforts and strengthening border coordination, according to a Taliban statement.
The meeting included senior Taliban officials such as Mohammad Nabi Omari, Taliban’s first deputy interior minister; Abdul Haq, Taliban deputy minister for counter-narcotics; and Sayedullah Hamas, Taliban deputy minister for public security.
The Uzbek delegation is headed by Kurbanov Bakhodir, head of Uzbekistan’s intelligence agency. According to the Taliban, the two sides emphasized joint efforts to combat the trafficking and production of both synthetic and agricultural narcotics, as well as enhanced coordination along the Afghan-Uzbek border.
Taliban say the delegation includes General Mukhtorov Farrukh, Deputy Intelligence Chief of Uzbekistan, and General Khasanova Salimjon, Commander of the country’s Border Forces.
Haqqani described the visit by Uzbekistan’s intelligence chief as “an effective step toward strengthening bilateral relations,” noting that expanded security cooperation is essential for regional stability and preventing cross-border threats.
In addition to security matters, the two sides reportedly discussed the potential for deepening economic relations. The Taliban cited Bakhodir as expressing appreciation for Taliban efforts to “ensure the security of Uzbekistan’s economic projects in Afghanistan,” calling it a sign of constructive cooperation between the two nations.
The Taliban Ministry of Interior framed the visit as part of broader regional engagement aimed at bolstering political, economic, and security ties with neighboring countries.
The Uzbek delegation also met with Taliban Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid. Discussions in that meeting, according to Taliban officials, included bilateral military coordination, border communications, and related matters.
