The issue of Afghanistan is being discussed behind closed doors in Tashkent

Today, on 7 March, the first meeting of the special representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries began in Tashkent.  Representatives of Uzbekistan, Iran, China, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan arrived to participate in the event.  This was reported by KALAMPIR.UZ reporter Hulkar Murtazoyeva, who is participating in the event.

During the meeting, it is expected to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan, mutual cooperation of the parties to regulate the situation in the country and establish long-term peace and stability, as well as humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.

The meeting was opened by Ismatilla Irgashev, the special representative of Uzbekistan in Afghanistan, and expressed the hope that Afghanistan will quickly implement the requirements set by the United Nations, in particular, the efforts to ensure women’s rights.

“At the same time, we believe that the Provisional Government of Afghanistan, based on the broad representation of the international community, will quickly fulfill the basic requirements, such as the creation of an inclusive government, ensuring the rights of women to work and education, is a guarantee of a stable future for the entire Afghan people,” Irgashev said.  He also said that the threat of the escalation of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the possibility of a sudden and complete collapse of the economic situation are worrying all neighboring countries, as well as international partners.

 “According to our firm opinion, in the near future, Afghanistan will be an important factor directly affecting the security of the region and, of course, the national interests of neighboring countries.  Therefore, the development of common approaches to solving socio-economic problems in Afghanistan must remain the main priority for the countries of the region and the international community.

 “We all need to unite our efforts in the direction of the establishment of full-fledged peace in the fragile Afghan country and the creation of conditions for consistent development after a long period of decline,” added Uzbekistan’s ambassador to Afghanistan.

 During his speech, Ismatilla Irgashev touched on the issue of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan and stated that such aid will continue.

 “In order to deliver humanitarian goods to Afghanistan, we have established a multi-disciplinary transport and logistics center in the bordering city of Termiz.  Today, this hub is actively used by various UN structures.

 The President of Uzbekistan put forward the initiative to establish the Afghanistan Humanitarian Support Fund in Termez.  The modern infrastructure of this hub is used for the fund’s activities.

 We attach great importance to the education of Afghan youth at the Education Center in Termiz, which was opened on the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.  This, in turn, creates an opportunity to train highly qualified specialists for the national economy of Afghanistan,” said Irgashev.  In addition, the Uzbek representative said that only through joint efforts can stable peace and national harmony be achieved in Afghanistan.  He once again mentioned that it can be achieved.

 “I would like to emphasize that the post-crisis development of Afghanistan is of decisive importance for the international and regional security system.

 “Uzbekistan is interested in the formation of Afghanistan as a peaceful, independent and prosperous country,” says Ismatilla Irgashev.

 At the moment, most of the discussions are going on behind closed doors.  The contents of the discussions are expected to be revealed at the briefing organized after the meeting.