Islamic Emirate Welcomes Central Asia Contact Group for Afghanistan
The Islamic Emirate, welcoming the establishment of a contact group at the level of special representatives of Central Asian countries for Afghanistan, called it effective.
The deputy spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate added that Afghanistan is considered an important country in regional connectivity and cooperation among states, and it seeks to expand cooperation with all countries in the region.
Hamdullah Fitrat said: “We also believe in the effectiveness of regional contacts and coordination. Afghanistan, as an important country in the region, has its role and place in regional connectivity and joint cooperation among countries. We want to expand economic, trade, cultural, and other relations with these countries.”
Yesterday, the special representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan announced the holding of the first meeting of the Central Asian countries’ contact group for Afghanistan, hosted by Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In a statement, Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting emphasized regional cooperation for ensuring Afghanistan’s stability, security, and sustainable development, as well as the formulation of common and independent strategies regarding the country.
Part of the statement read: “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.”
Janat Faheem Chakari, a political analyst, also said: “The establishment of a contact group at the level of Central Asian countries with a focus on Afghanistan is considered an important and effective step; especially if Afghanistan can act as a bridge connecting the regional countries, this step will have even greater significance.”
The newly formed regional contact group, composed of the special representatives of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, operates independently of foreign powers.
Unlike the Afghanistan neighboring countries’ contact group (which includes Russia, China, Pakistan, and Iran), this group focuses on the independent regional role and common interests of the Central Asian states in Afghanistan-related matters.
