The first meeting of special representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held in the capital of Uzbekistan. It was attended by representatives of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan, the press center of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan reports.
The meeting participants "noted the relevance and timeliness of creating a Contact Group at the level of special representatives on Afghan issues as an independent regional platform for regular and focused dialogue on issues of common interest to the countries of the region."
Judging by the photo, Tajikistan was represented at the meeting by the republic's Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Abdujabbor Rahmonzoda.
The interlocutors stressed the importance of developing an independent approach to the Afghan issue, taking into account the geostrategic position of Central Asia and Afghanistan, the historically linked cultural and economic space, as well as the common interest in ensuring stability and security in Eurasia.
"The parties confirmed their desire to develop common, balanced and realistic approaches to the situation in Afghanistan based on consensus, and noted the need to restore and develop trade, economic, transport, logistics, cultural and humanitarian ties between Central Asia and Afghanistan," the Uzbek Foreign Ministry said.
Representatives of the Central Asian countries exchanged views on cooperation with the current de facto authorities of Afghanistan, taking into account the interests and national priorities of the countries of the region, and expressed interest in expanding coordination in the field of regional security, including the fight against cross-border crime, extremism and terrorism, as well as drug trafficking.
They noted the role of Afghanistan in regional efforts to achieve sustainable development goals, the meeting participants noted the importance of the constant work of the Contact Group as a platform for exchanging views, consultations and coordinating efforts on the Afghan issue, and agreed to hold regular meetings in this format.
"The parties stressed that the further activities of the Contact Group will contribute to strengthening the independent and responsible role of the Central Asian states in shaping the regional agenda for Afghanistan and ensuring the sustainable development of the entire macroregion," the Foreign Ministry concluded.
