Nooruddin Azizi Leads Delegation to Attend Astana International Forum in Kazakhstan

Nooruddin Azizi, the acting Minister of Industry and Commerce of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, has embarked on a trip to Nur-Sultan, the capital of Kazakhstan, leading a high-level delegation at the official invitation of the Republic of Kazakhstan to participate in the Astana International Forum, a prominent global event focused on diplomacy and international cooperation.

This visit aims to strengthen economic and trade relations between Afghanistan and regional and global partners while showcasing the country’s economic potential.

According to an official statement from the Ministry of Industry and Commerce, Azizi will deliver a keynote address at the forum, highlighting investment opportunities in various sectors of Afghanistan’s economy, including industry, mining, agriculture, and infrastructure. He will also discuss strategies for sustainable economic development and Afghanistan’s pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation. The delegation, comprising senior economic experts and officials, will engage in bilateral meetings with representatives from other countries to explore avenues for mutual collaboration.

The Astana International Forum, held regularly since 2018, is a leading global platform for dialogue on pressing 21st-century challenges, including global economics, climate change, international security, digitalization, and sustainable development. The event brings together heads of state, key ministers, representatives from international organizations such as the United Nations and the World Bank, as well as scholars, economists, and business leaders from around the world.

Scheduled from May 29 to 31, 2025, the forum provides Afghanistan with a significant opportunity to enhance its standing on the global stage. Azizi is expected to hold meetings with Kazakhstani officials and representatives from other nations on the sidelines of the event to sign memoranda of understanding on trade, investment, and technology transfer. This visit also offers Afghanistan a chance to learn from the experiences of successful nations in economic development and to pave the way for new regional partnerships, particularly with Central Asian countries.

The Ministry of Industry and Commerce emphasized that this participation will not only promote Afghanistan’s economic capabilities but also mark a crucial step toward integrating the country into the global economy and strengthening diplomatic ties with neighboring and regional countries. The outcomes of the visit and the negotiations held during the Astana Forum are expected to be published soon in official reports, with anticipated positive impacts on Afghanistan’s economy and infrastructure development.