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Foreign ministers

Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan Sign Framework Agreement on UAP Railway Project

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced the signing of the Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the Uzbekistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan (UAP) Railway Project from Kabul, where he arrived for a day-long visit. The agreement is a major milestone in advancing regional connectivity and economic integration, connecting Central Asian countries to Pakistani seaports through Afghanistan. Dar highlighted Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif's leadership and commitment to the project, which will facilitate regional, transit, and bilateral trade among participating countries.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Framework Agreement on the Joint Feasibility Study for the UAP Railway Project was signed in Kabul on Thursday by Pakistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan.
  • The project will build a rail link passing through Termiz in Uzbekistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and entering Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
  • The project aims to facilitate regional trade and transit, promoting regional stability, growth, and development.
  • The agreement will support both passenger and freight services among participating countries.
  • Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum in bilateral relations and expanding cooperation in trade, transit, and security sectors.
  • Dar met with Afghan Prime Minister Mullah Muhammad Hassan Akhund and exchanged views on issues of mutual interest, including peace and security, trade and transit cooperation, and regional connectivity.
  • The Foreign Office stated that the agreement between the three countries will be an important step towards the project's implementation.

Statistics:

  • 2023: The three countries agreed on the UAP Railway project.
  • The project will pass through Termiz in Uzbekistan, Mazar-i-Sharif and Logar in Afghanistan, and enter Pakistan via the Kharlachi border crossing in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, covering a significant distance.
  • The project is expected to promote regional stability, growth, and development by facilitating regional trade and transit.

Sources:

  • [1] Foreign Office, X:

'Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister departs for Kabul'

  • [2] Foreign Office, X:

'Meeting reaffirms strong ties and a shared commitment to peace, connectivity, trade and regional development'

  • [3] Local News, [Date not specified] [1]:

'Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan agree on UAP Railway project'

  • [4] Foreign Office, [Date not specified] [1]:

'Diplomatic efforts paving way for UAP Railway project, FO reveals'

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