The event brought together representatives of the foreign ministries of Qatar and Afghanistan, as well as senior officials and experts from the Center for Strategic Studies (CSS) under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, Qatar’s Center for International Policy Research (CIPR), the International Institute for Central Asia (IICA), and the Center for Foreign Policy Research and International Initiatives.
Across two thematic sessions, participants examined trade, investment and transit connectivity, the relationship between security and economic development, and the role of dialogue and mediation in strengthening regional stability.
Opening the workshop, IICA Deputy Director Sherzod Fayziev noted that cooperation between Central Asian countries and Afghanistan is becoming increasingly practical. Expanding trade, transport and energy links is helping integrate Afghanistan into regional economic processes and creating additional opportunities for cooperation with international partners. Against this backdrop, he highlighted Qatar’s role, noting that its long-standing engagement with Afghanistan and participation in international dialogue could help advance joint initiatives.
CSS Director Abdul Hai Qanit stressed that security and stability in Afghanistan are essential to the sustainable development of the wider region. In his view, stronger trust, good-neighbourly relations and sustained dialogue create an enabling environment for broader international cooperation.
Participants also underscored the importance of cooperation with neighbouring states in fostering a secure and predictable environment for the reliable operation of transport routes and the implementation of long-term economic projects.
CIPR Vice President Rashid Al-Mohanadi focused on investment opportunities linked to Afghanistan’s development. He highlighted the importance of investment in infrastructure, support for entrepreneurship and the expansion of the country’s productive capacity.
He noted that Qatar’s investment capital, experience in managing major projects and financial instruments, including Islamic finance, could support initiatives aimed at creating jobs and strengthening Afghanistan’s economic potential.
Daniyar Kurbanov, Head of Department at IICA, stressed the importance of expert and analytical support for the areas of cooperation under discussion. He noted that research institutions could contribute by conducting market research, assessing the economic viability of initiatives and identifying areas with the strongest potential for cooperation.
Pooling the expertise of the three countries, he added, would help ensure that the interests of all partners are reflected in proposals for government agencies and the private sector, while making joint efforts more action-oriented.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the research institutions of the three countries agreed to continue their cooperation and sustain expert dialogue on issues of mutual interest.
