Hope India joins rail project in Afghanistan, says Uzbek envoy

Special envoy of Uzbekistan President, Ilhom Nematov, expressed hope that India will participate in the construction of a rail project in Afghanistan.

Speaking to ANI, Nematov said: "During President Ashraf Ghani's visit to Uzbekistan (in December 2017), we decided to advance our transport communication in the Indian Ocean. A railway link spanning more than 400 km will be constructed between Mazar-e-Sharif and Herat. Work will start soon. We hope that India will join the project, due to its potential. If India participates, implementation will be easier. The presence of India in central Asia will help in ensuring sustainable development, peace and stability in the region."

He informed that Uzbekistan has constructed a rail link between the border city of Hairatan and Mazar-e-Sharif.

Stressing that Uzbekistan is deeply interested in bringing peace to Afghanistan, Nematov further said, "We attach great importance to Afghanistan. We are close neighbours. President Ghani and Uzbek leadership held talks on a wide range of issues concerning bilateral interests. The main issue was joint efforts to ensure peace in Afghanistan.