ALMATY – The Kazakh government held the first meeting of the interagency working group on development of cooperation with Afghanistan on Jan. 28 under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Economy Serik Zhumangarin. Zhumangarin emphasized that the working group aims to streamline interdepartmental efforts, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and maximize the country’s potential for cooperation with Afghanistan, reported the Prime Minister’s press service. According to Zhumangarin, the government aims to develop transport corridors to enhance trade and economic ties. Transport and education initiativesVice Minister of Transport Zhanibek Taizhanov reported that the CASA railway project, connecting Turgundi, Herat, Kandahar, and Spin Boldak through Afghanistan, is progressing according to plan. Vice Minister of Science and Higher Education Gulzat Kobenova noted that 610 Afghan students are now studying at 34 Kazakh universities.