Uzbekistan fully reopens the Termez border crossing with Afghanistan after 3 years
In a move reflecting the development of pragmatic relations in the Central Asian region, Uzbekistan reopened its only border crossing with Afghanistan , ending a period of strict restrictions imposed on the movement of people since 2021. The Uzbek Chamber of Commerce and Industry has officially announced that the vital crossing located at the Termez-Heraton Bridge has resumed service to receive both travelers and goods.
The lifeline between the two countries is restored
Uzbek authorities have confirmed that the Friendship Bridge, linking the Uzbek city of Termez with the Afghan town of Heratun, is now open for safe travel, emphasizing that the visa requirement remains in effect and must be adhered to. This decision alleviates the hardship faced by travelers who have had to take arduous alternative routes for the past three years.
Prior to this decision, closing the border crossing to pedestrians and ordinary travelers forced them to travel through neighboring Tajikistan to reach Mazar-i-Sharif , the main commercial and cultural center in northern Afghanistan. This alternative journey took a full day or more, even though Mazar-i-Sharif is only about 75 kilometers from the Uzbek border, posing a significant logistical and economic obstacle.
The historical and security context of the closure
The partial closure, which has been in place since 2021, stems from the dramatic geopolitical changes in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of foreign forces and the Taliban's rise to power in Kabul. At that time, Tashkent implemented strict precautionary measures to protect its national security and prevent any uncontrolled influx of refugees or potential security threats, while maintaining commercial shipping and rail traffic to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid and essential goods.
Economic and strategic importance
This border crossing holds immense strategic importance that extends far beyond the mere movement of people; it serves as Uzbekistan's main gateway to the south and is integral to Tashkent's ambitious vision of transforming the country into a regional logistics hub. Uzbekistan is also a vital economic partner for Afghanistan, supplying it with a significant portion of its electricity and food needs.
Furthermore, this opening supports the Trans-Afghanistan Railway project, a massive undertaking promoted by Uzbekistan to connect Central Asia to Pakistani ports via Afghanistan. The full reopening of the border indicates growing confidence in the stability of the security situation along the border and a mutual desire to boost trade, which had been hampered by previous restrictions. This could contribute to a revitalization of economic activity in the border regions of both countries.
