Samarkand hosted the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of Afghanistan's Neighboring Countries

On April 13, 2023, Samarkand hosted the Fourth Ministerial Meeting of the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan. Heads of the foreign ministries of Uzbekistan, China, Iran, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan participated in the event.

During the forum, the parties discussed the existing condition in Afghanistan, the implementation of the main demands of the world community by the current authorities of Afghanistan, such as the creation of an inclusive government, the opportunity for Afghan women to work and receive education, and ensuring the rights of national minorities.

The sides emphasized the need to develop a joint action mechanism to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and restore the country's national economy.

The parties stated the importance of strengthening the measures of the countries-neighbors of Afghanistan in the fight against international terrorism, production, and smuggling of drugs.

The participants noted the importance of promoting the disclosure of the potential of Afghanistan as a key factor in interregional connectivity between Central and South Asia.

In this context, the parties spoke in favor of the implementation of infrastructure and socio-economic projects in the territory of Afghanistan with the participation of neighboring states, which will contribute not only to the creation of new jobs but also to a more active integration of Afghanistan into regional economic processes.