Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 23 June 2020, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan for Afghanistan, Ismatulla Irgashev, held talks via videoconference with the Special Representative of the United Kingdom for Afghanistan, Gareth Bailey.

During the conversation, the efforts of Uzbekistan and the United Kingdom to peacefully resolve the Afghan crisis, as well as the early launch of direct intra-Afghan negotiations, were discussed.

The British side highly appreciated the initiative of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to turn Central Asia into a space of security, stability, sustainable development and shared prosperity, which will help strengthen regional cooperation, including in resolving the Afghan crisis.

A thorough exchange of views also took place on the priority areas of the Uzbek-British cooperation in restoring the national economy of Afghanistan, and implementing various infrastructure projects in the country.

The parties expressed mutual interest in continuing bilateral consultations on Afghan issues.