Uzbekistan's new ambassador to Afghanistan, Oybek Usmanov, presented his credentials to Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban's foreign minister.

The Taliban's Foreign Ministry announced on Wednesday that Uzbekistan's diplomat has pledged to work to expand relations between Kabul and Tashkent.

Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the Taliban's Foreign Ministry, wrote in a statement on Wednesday, November 20, that Muttaqi had assured Usmanov that the group would cooperate with him on various issues.

According to the statement, Amir Khan Muttaqi considered the diplomatic cooperation between the Taliban and Uzbekistan as a sign of the progress of relations between the two countries.

The Taliban's foreign minister also stressed that practical steps should be taken to advance major economic projects between the group and Uzbekistan.

According to the statement, Uzbekistan's new ambassador to Afghanistan also promised that he would work to develop relations between Afghanistan and Uzbekistan during his mission in Afghanistan.

Oybek Usmanov, 62, previously served as Uzbekistan's ambassador to Egypt and Pakistan. He arrived in Kabul on October 28 this year to begin his work as his country's new ambassador to Afghanistan.

The former ambassador of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan was Yadgar Shadmanov. In September this year, he announced the end of his mission in Afghanistan 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 met several times over the past three years.