Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- The situation in Afghanistan will continue to influence the prospects for stability and economic development of the Central Asian region. The slightest threat should never again come from the territory of Afghanistan. This was stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov during the second ministerial meeting in the "Italy - Central Asia" format in Tashkent.
He noted that Uzbekistan’s relations with all Central Asian states have been brought to the level of strategic partnership. The term "Central Asian spirit" has appeared in the political dictionary of the world, accurately reflecting the positive political atmosphere of cooperation and mutual understanding created in our region.
“The initiative to hold regular consultative meetings of the heads of state has been implemented: three summits were held in Nur-Sultan, Tashkent and Avaz. Central Asian economic forums are being held. Trade and economic ties, industrial cooperation, cultural and humanitarian interaction are developing at an accelerated pace,” the Uzbek Foreign Minister said.
In general, the regional strategy of Uzbekistan includes the following aspects.
The first is the implementation of all the agreements reached at the highest level in the course of bilateral contacts and within the framework of consultative summits of the heads of state of Central Asia.
The second is to improve the model of regional economic cooperation, increase the efficiency of interaction in the areas of trade and investment, industrial cooperation, transport, transit, energy and innovation.
Third, joint development of responses to modern challenges and threats faced by our region, including the pandemic and overcoming its consequences, solving environmental problems, preventing transnational threats of extremism and terrorism, as well as strengthening interethnic harmony, friendly and fraternal ties between the peoples of Central Asia.
“Speaking about the remaining issues, it is necessary to highlight the further solution of border issues, the joint and rational use of water and energy resources, the development of the transport and communication system, the provision of regional security, as well as the continuation of work on a range of environmental issues,” the Uzbek Foreign Minister stressed.
Abdulaziz Kamilov said that along with this, it is obvious that the prospects for stability and economic development of our region will continue to be influenced by the situation in Afghanistan.
With Afghanistan we are bound by centuries-old bonds of friendship, a common history, religion, customs and traditions. In this country - a new government, the Provisional Government led by the Taliban, which seeks to gain recognition from the world community, he added.
“We believe that in the current realities it is necessary to conduct a constructive dialogue with the new authorities of Afghanistan in order to avoid the re-transformation of this long-suffering country into the so-called “A rogue state,” said Abdulaziz Kamilov.
“Therefore, Uzbekistan was among the first to welcome the creation of the Provisional Government of Afghanistan in the hope of its successful functioning for the benefit of the multinational Afghan society,” he said.
“Today the Afghan people find themselves in a very difficult situation. The current humanitarian situation in the country is close to catastrophic. It is within our power to provide effective assistance to the Afghan people,” he said.
Abdulaziz Kamilov noted that it is necessary to provide a humanitarian corridor to Afghanistan in order to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe. “We also call on the world community to take measures to lift sanctions, unfreeze Afghanistan’s international assets and help restore the country’s banking system,” added Abdulaziz Kamilov.
“In our opinion, the key issue is the development of a post-conflict strategy in relation to Afghanistan. The priority should remain more active involvement of Afghanistan in regional integration processes of an economic nature, as well as the implementation of socio-economic projects in the country,” he said.
At the same time, according to the Foreign Minister, Uzbekistan hopes and expects that the new authorities of Afghanistan will fulfill their promises and international obligations, including:
- creation of a government based on broad representation;
- fight against international terrorism and drug trafficking;
- preventing the deployment of various terrorist groups on the territory of the country, termination of any contacts with them;
- support of good-neighborly relations with the countries of the region;
- observance of fundamental human rights and freedoms, including women and national minorities.
“The slightest threat should never again come from the territory of Afghanistan, both to the states of the region and to other countries of the world,” said Abdulaziz Kamilov.
