The improved economic relations between Afghanistan and Kazakhstan in the past year have raised questions about Kazakhstan’s stance toward the Taliban. Addressing these concerns, in early August 2023, Aybek Smadiyarov, spokesperson for Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, restated the country’s position, saying, “The status of the Taliban remains the same, unchanged.” He highlighted that Kazakhstan’s involvement with Afghanistan primarily revolves around economic cooperation, benefiting local industries.

This year, a group of 18 Kazakh entrepreneurs-exporters in the food industry, along with Kazakhstan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Trade and Integration Serik Jumangarin, visited Afghanistan and engaged in discussions with Taliban representatives.

On August 3rd, business executives from Kazakhstan and Afghanistan inked 15 agreements, nine of which pertain to oil supply, valued at $190.8 million, during the Kazakh-Afghan business forum. Trade between the two countries surged in 2022, reaching nearly $1 billion ($987.9 million), doubling the previous year’s figures. Around 90% of this trade involves Kazakhstan’s exports, particularly processed goods.