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MAZAR-I-SHARIF (Pajhwok): Afghan and Uzbek officials have discussed on strengthening bilateral trade, enhancing border security and expanding diplomatic cooperation between the two neighboring countries. The Governor of northern Balkh province, Mohammad Yousuf Wafa, accompanied by heads of several provincial departments, travelled to Termez city in Uzbekistan at the official invitation of the Uzbek government, his office said in a statement. During the visit, the Afghan delegation led by Governor Wafa met with Ulugbek Kosimov, the governor of Termez province and a number of other Uzbek officials. Both sides discussed tightening border security, promoting bilateral trade, facilitating visa issuance for Afghans—particularly traders and industrialists—and expanding exports and imports through air and railway links. Cultural cooperation also featured in the discussions. Governor Wafa emphasized the importance of strengthening collaboration between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan in academic, cultural, security and commercial fields. He also invited Uzbek scholars and cultural figures to pay a scientific and cultural visit to Balkh province.
