First meeting of the Special Representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan held in Tashkent

At the initiative of Uzbekistan, on today, the first meeting of the Special Representatives of the Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the MFA, the meeting was attended by representatives of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan.

The participants, building on the provisions of the Joint Statement following the Sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and the Roadmap for the Development of Regional Cooperation for 2025–2027 (August 9, 2024, Astana), emphasized the relevance and timeliness of establishing a Contact Group at the level of Special Representatives on Afghan issues as an independent regional platform for regular and purposeful dialogue on matters of common interest to the countries of the region.

The participants underlined the importance of developing an independent approach to the Afghan issue, taking into account the geostrategic position of Central Asia and Afghanistan, their historically shared cultural and economic space, as well as their common interest in ensuring stability, security, and sustainable development in Eurasia.

During the meeting, the sides reaffirmed their commitment to developing common, balanced, and realistic approaches to the situation in Afghanistan on the basis of consensus. They stressed the need for the restoration and development of trade and economic, transport and logistics, and cultural and humanitarian ties between Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The representatives of the Central Asian countries exchanged views on interaction 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 transnational crime, extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

The parties noted the role of Afghanistan in regional efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Emphasizing the importance of ensuring the sustainable functioning of the Contact Group as a platform for exchanging views, holding consultations, and coordinating efforts on the Afghan issue, they agreed on the advisability of holding regular meetings in this format, including on the sidelines of the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

The sides emphasized that the further activities of the Contact Group will contribute to strengthening the independent and responsible role of the Central Asian countries in shaping the regional agenda on Afghanistan and in ensuring the sustainable development of the entire macro-region.