Afghan and Azerbaijani Officials Discuss Trade Expansion and European Export Routes

Senior economic officials from Afghanistan and Azerbaijan met in Kabul on Tuesday to discuss strategies for expanding bilateral trade, improving regional transit corridors, and increasing Afghan exports to European markets.

The meeting was led by Mullah Faizullah Tamim, director of the Afghanistan Standards and Quality Authority, and Anar Akhundov, Azerbaijan’s deputy minister of economy. They were joined by Afghanistan’s deputy minister of commerce and industry, the head of the state-owned Afghan Oil and Gas Company, and a delegation of senior Azerbaijani economic representatives.

Discussions centered on establishing more efficient transit arrangements to facilitate the movement of Afghan goods into Europe. Officials also explored mechanisms to strengthen direct commercial ties between the Afghan Oil and Gas Company and the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic. Both sides reviewed potential investment opportunities and outlined steps to broaden overall economic cooperation.

During the talks, Akhundov stated that Azerbaijan is prepared to enhance comprehensive trade and economic relations with Afghanistan. The delegation emphasized the importance of aligning regulatory standards and streamlining cross-border logistics to support long-term commercial growth.

The meeting concluded with a mutual commitment to maintain ongoing dialogue between the two countries’ economic ministries. Officials indicated that working groups will be established to implement the discussed trade facilitation measures and monitor progress on export initiatives.