Uzbekistan Seeks Security Cooperation with Taliban Amid Regional Concerns

Kokcha News Agency – Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Acting Interior Minister, recently held talks with Qurbanov Bahodir, Uzbekistan’s National Security Chief, in Kabul. According to a statement released by the Taliban’s Interior Ministry, the two sides discussed sustainable security cooperation. Qurbanov reportedly expressed gratitude to Haqqani for ensuring the security of Uzbekistan’s economic projects in Afghanistan.

Following the meeting, Qurbanov also met with Mullah Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s Acting Defense Minister, further underscoring the growing ties between Uzbekistan and the Taliban. Observers view this visit as a security-focused initiative, potentially laying the groundwork for intelligence and military cooperation with the Taliban.

Analysts believe that Uzbekistan’s approach is driven by regional security concerns and the persistent threat of terrorism, even four years after the Taliban’s return to power. Unlike the 1990s, when Central Asian countries supported anti-Taliban forces and later backed NATO’s military presence in Afghanistan, the events of August 2021 have reshaped regional dynamics. Uzbekistan, along with other Central Asian nations, has chosen to engage with the Taliban cautiously, prioritizing pragmatism over confrontation.

Uzbekistan’s Pragmatic Approach:

Uzbekistan has not only maintained relations with the Taliban but has also expressed a desire to expand cooperation. The National Interest recently noted that Tashkent aims to position itself as a regional stabilizer and a key economic and political partner for Afghanistan. The publication highlighted Uzbekistan’s view of Afghanistan not as a security liability but as a potential land bridge connecting Central Asia to South Asia and beyond.

However, Uzbekistan’s efforts to engage with the Taliban carry an underlying security dimension. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has repeatedly emphasized the importance of stability in Afghanistan for regional security. In July 2022, during the international conference “Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development,” Mirziyoyev called on the Taliban to sever ties with terrorist groups, stating, “Without stability on the other side of the Amu Darya, achieving sustainable security and development in Uzbekistan and the entire Central Asian region is impossible.”

Security Concerns and Regional Threats:

Uzbekistan’s fears were highlighted in April 2022, when ISIS-K launched a rocket attack from Afghan soil into Uzbekistan. The attack, which targeted a military post near the city of Termez, served as a stark reminder of the transnational terrorist threat posed by groups operating in Afghanistan.

Analysts argue that Uzbekistan’s engagement with the Taliban is primarily driven by fear and concern rather than strategic alignment. Ahmad Saidi, an Afghan diplomat and analyst, noted, “Uzbekistan’s relationship with the Taliban is not comprehensive or strategic. Uzbekistan fears groups like the East Turkestan Islamic Movement and the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, and it seeks to prevent the Taliban from using Uzbek militants against it.”

Challenges and Risks:

Despite the Taliban’s assurances, Uzbekistan remains wary of the radical elements within the group and the potential for instability spilling over into Central Asia. The Taliban’s historical ties with various militant groups and their internal divisions pose a significant risk.

Moreover, Uzbekistan has chosen to remain silent on contentious issues, such as the Qosh Tepa Canal project, which draws water from the Amu Darya River, a vital water source for Uzbekistan. This pragmatic approach reflects Tashkent’s prioritization of security over other concerns.

Uzbekistan’s engagement with the Taliban underscores the complex security dynamics in Central Asia. While Tashkent seeks to stabilize the region and protect its interests, the fragile security environment in Afghanistan continues to pose significant challenges. The ongoing dialogue between Uzbekistan and the Taliban highlights the delicate balance between pragmatism and risk in regional diplomacy.

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