Kazakh Prime Minister Oljas Bektenov has announced his government’s readiness to invest in the Torghundi–Herat railway project, describing Afghanistan as a vital bridge between Central and South Asia.

Speaking at the 17th Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) summit on Friday, Bektenov said the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway would boost regional development and connectivity.

The summit, held in the Azerbaijani city of Khankendi, brought together leaders and representatives from Iran, Türkiye, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and a Taliban delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar.

According to the Astana Times, Bektenov met with Baradar on the sidelines of the summit to discuss expanding cooperation in trade, logistics and agriculture.

Specifically addressing the Torghundi–Herat railway, Bektenov confirmed that Kazakhstan is prepared to proceed with the project, noting that a memorandum of understanding would be signed between the two parties in the near future.

The Taliban had earlier stated that Kazakhstan intends to invest $500 million in the broader Torghundi–Herat–Spin Boldak railway project.