BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 15. Diplomats from the
European Union and Central Asian states discussed the situation in
Afghanistan.
This was announced by the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
citing the 8th meeting of Special Representatives and Envoys of the
European Union and Central Asian states for Afghanistan held in
Almaty.
“During the meeting, participants exchanged views on current
developments in Afghanistan, their impact on regional security and
stability, as well as prospects for expanding international
cooperation to support Afghanistan’s sustainable socio-economic
development,” the ministry said in a statement.
According to the ministry, the parties discussed ways to
strengthen regional integration, including the development of
transport, logistics, and transit routes through Afghanistan, which
could become an important driver of expanded trade and economic
cooperation between Central and South Asia and stronger links with
the European Union.
Moreover, the ministry says that at the meeting, it was noted
that Kazakhstan consistently advocates political and diplomatic
mechanisms for addressing regional challenges and supports the
strengthening of good-neighborly relations, trust, and cooperation
in Central Asia and Afghanistan.
Participants praised Kazakhstan’s contribution to promoting
constructive international dialogue on Afghanistan, as well as its
practical efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan
people, expand educational programs, and support the region’s
economic integration.
The ministry noted that, at the meeting, special attention was
paid to the UN’s role in coordinating international assistance to
Afghanistan. The participants highlighted the importance of the UN
Regional Centre for Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia
and Afghanistan in Almaty, describing its establishment as a
practical implementation of initiatives proposed by Kazakhstan’s
President at the United Nations and aimed at strengthening
international cooperation for sustainable regional development.
The discussion also underscored Almaty’s growing role as an
international hub for multilateral diplomacy, interregional
engagement, and the development of coordinated approaches to
security, sustainable development, and humanitarian
cooperation.
Following the meeting, participants reaffirmed their commitment
to further strengthening cooperation among Central Asian states,
the European Union, and UN institutions to promote peace,
stability, and sustainable development in Afghanistan and ensure
security and prosperity across the region.
Representatives of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan,
Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the European Union, and the United
Nations took part in the event.
