The Kabul Tribune (KT) — Kazakhstan and the Taliban have agreed to establish a joint educational and research center on water resource management, irrigation and sustainable agriculture in Kabul, The Astana Times reported.
The memorandum of intent was signed on June 22 by the Kazakh
National University of Water Management and Irrigation, the Kazakh National
Agrarian Research University, and Kabul University during a visit by a Kazakh
delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister Serik Zhumangarin.
The center, to be based at Kabul University, will focus on
training specialists, promoting knowledge exchange, conducting joint research
and introducing modern solutions in water management and agriculture. Kazakh
experts are expected to provide educational programs and scientific support.
Speaking at the Kazakhstan-Taliban Business Forum in Kabul,
Zhumangarin emphasized the importance of water diplomacy, efficient use of
resources and regional cooperation.
In a related development, Kazakhstan opened a trade house in
Kabul to expand its commercial presence, following a similar facility launched
in Herat in 2024. The center will serve as a platform for showcasing Kazakh
products, including food, machinery and pharmaceuticals.
During the visit, a $18.88 million agreement was also signed
between ShalkiyaZinc Ltd. and Afghan German Bakhtar Company for the annual
supply of zinc ore.
The move comes as Kazakhstan and the Taliban seek to
strengthen economic cooperation, expand trade ties and address shared
challenges such as water management, food security and climate adaptation.
