TRACECA and Afghanistan: opportunities for expanding cooperation in the Europe-the Caucasus-Asia region

Regarding the issue of Afghanistan's accession to the MLA TRACECA, the participants of the meeting noted that this issue was supported by the TRACECA countries, except for the Islamic Republic of Iran.  

H.E. Ambassador Amanullah Jayhoon said that the issue of the country's accession as a full member to the MLA TRACECA is still relevant for the Afghan Party. Within the framework of bilateral meetings with the Iranian Party, a number of agreements were reached, which in the future will have a positive effect on simplifying the procedures for the movement of goods in the region.
 
In addition, during discussions on the latest developments and prospects in TRACECA, an exchange of views was held on integration prospects that are strategically important for the Europe-the Caucasus-Asia region.

The Secretary General noted that the digitalization of the transport and technological process of the corridor will become a clear example of the efficiency and vital activity of TRACECA. Furthermore, the main directions for the implementation of TRACECA initiatives aimed at improving border crossing procedures, introducing electronic documents, harmonizing requirements for road vehicles with regard to their mass and dimensions, developing container transport, defining competitive tariffs and preferential conditions were pointed out.

At the same time, the Ambassador informed the Secretary General about the transport and logistics opportunities, routes and projects in which Afghanistan participates. One of the strategically important infrastructure projects is the Lapis Lazuli (Lapis Lazuli Corridor) project, implemented by Afghanistan together with its nearest neighbours along the Afghanistan-Turkmenistan-Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkey route.

The Ambassador also informed about the construction project of the new Trans-Afghan railway "Mazari – Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar". It will provide access to the Pakistani seaports "Karachi", "Qasem" and "Gwadar", and will connect the South Asian railway system with the Central Asian and Eurasian railway systems.

On the outcome of the meeting the Parties came to an agreement to actively develop cooperation for the benefit of expanding transport communications in the region.