Uzbekistani media reported that Oybek Usmanov has started his work as the country's new ambassador to Afghanistan.

Oybek Usmanov, 62, previously served as Uzbekistan's ambassador to Egypt and Pakistan.

According to Uzbekistan news agencies, the Uzbek diplomat arrived in Kabul on Sunday, October 27.

Osmanov's biography states that he was the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan from 2011 to 2012.

The former ambassador of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan was Yadgar Khwaja Shadmanov, who announced the end of his mission in Afghanistan in September this year after 12 years.

Although Uzbekistan does not recognise the Taliban government like other countries, it has established close relations with the group.

Taliban and Uzbekistan officials have welcomed each other many times during the three years of the Taliban's rule.