Uzbekistan and Taliban have launched a joint transport company aimed at streamlining logistics and reducing delivery times for regional trade, Uzbek state media reported Friday.

The Uzbek transport operator said the new venture will organise shipments to Kazakhstan, Belarus, Russia and the Baltic states, while also opening new routes connecting Europe, the Commonwealth of Independent States, Afghanistan and Pakistan.

A representative office has been opened in Kabul to facilitate the project. The company said the office will simplify procedures and shorten delivery times.

Uzbekistan’s ambassador in Kabul, Obok Usmonov, said the joint investment would help expand cooperation in transport, trade, industry and other areas.

While Uzbekistan has not formally recognised the Taliban administration, it maintains broad diplomatic and economic ties with the group.

Earlier this week, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev told the UN General Assembly that ensuring peace and stability in Afghanistan requires unified international efforts. He said the situation in Afghanistan cannot be ignored in the pursuit of global and regional security.