On June 16, 2026, the Afghanistan and Central Asia Think Tank Forum was held in Kabul under the theme “The Strategic Role of Think Tanks in Advancing Regional Cooperation.” The event brought together heads and experts of leading research centers from Central Asian countries, Afghanistan, and Azerbaijan.
Zhandos Shaimardanov, Director of the Kazakhstan Institute for Strategic Studies (KazISS) under the President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, participated online in the first session dedicated to cooperation among think tanks and institutional exchange.
In his remarks, Mr. Shaimardanov expressed confidence that dialogue, trust, and pragmatic partnership between Afghanistan and the Central Asian states should be built on the principles of stability and connectivity.
The KazISS Director placed special emphasis on cooperation in the field of science.
“It is necessary to strengthen cooperation in climate and water research through joint assessments and the exchange of scientific data. It is also important to expand academic and professional exchange programs for researchers, analysts, and public policy specialists across the region,” Zh. Shaimardanov emphasized.
KazISS expert Mukhit Assanbayev also participated in the Forum, speaking at a session devoted to regional stability, transport connectivity, and economic cooperation.
The Forum served as a platform for exchanging views on key regional issues and for further strengthening expert cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan.
