On 7 July 2021, at the initiative of the United Nations Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy, virtual talks were held between the Foreign Ministers of Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan, Uzbekistan MFA reports.

The importance of consolidating regional efforts for a peaceful settlement of the Afghan crisis, restoring the country's economy, and observing the principle of the leading role of the Afghan people in the development of the political process in the country was noted.

The attention was paid to the importance of joint counteraction to the threats of international terrorism, the development of effective steps in this direction by the Central Asian countries.

The parties expressed their support for further development and expansion of political, economic, cultural-humanitarian ties between Afghanistan and Central Asia. In this context, the broad involvement of Afghanistan in the regional integration process will contribute to the early establishment of sustainable and long-term peace in the country.

The key importance of the implementation of various infrastructure projects in the energy and transport-communication spheres on the territory of Afghanistan with the assistance of the countries of the region was stated.

The importance of the upcoming International Conference “Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity. Challenges and Opportunities” in Tashkent this month was emphasized.

Views were exchanged on the priority areas for providing all-round assistance to Afghanistan, including humanitarian assistance during the pandemic.

UzA