A delegation from the Centre for Strategic Studies (CSS) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan held a productive meeting with the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan during its official research visit to Astana.
The meeting focused on strengthening institutional cooperation between the two strategic research centers and exploring practical mechanisms for collaboration in research and policy analysis. Both sides exchanged views on a broad range of regional and international issues, including bilateral economic cooperation, regional integration, transport and transit connectivity and the importance of evidence-based policymaking in addressing shared regional challenges.
Special attention was given to Afghanistan’s strategic geographic position as a bridge connecting Central Asia with South Asia and the wider region. The participants discussed the opportunities that enhanced regional connectivity could create for economic cooperation and sustainable development. The two institutions also emphasized the growing role of think tanks in supporting informed policymaking through independent research, policy dialogue and the development of practical recommendations for decision-makers.
During the meeting, both sides explored opportunities for future collaboration through joint research projects, analytical publications, expert exchanges, conferences, seminars and capacity-building initiatives. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to establishing a sustainable institutional partnership that contributes to greater regional understanding and closer Afghanistan–Kazakhstan cooperation. The meeting represents an important step in expanding research diplomacy and strengthening cooperation between the Centre for Strategic Studies and one of Kazakhstan’s leading strategic research institutions.
