Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 26 July 2022, Tashkent hosted an international conference on Afghanistan on the theme "Afghanistan: security and economic development", which was attended by special representatives of the states, Afghanistan’s closest neighbors, countries of South and Central Asia , the Middle East, the European Union, the United States, as well as a high-ranking delegation from the Interim Government of Afghanistan.

For the first time, a representative international forum on Afghanistan was held, which is not limited to political statements, but is focused on strengthening peace, stability and economic restoration of the state in the interests of the entire Afghan people, its neighbors and the world community.

The parties expressed respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan and reaffirmed their commitment to its development as a peaceful, indivisible, independent, economically developing state, free from terrorism and drug crime.

The conference participants expressed a common understanding that today the main priority should be the revival and strengthening of the Afghan economy as an important factor in achieving lasting peace in that country. It is necessary to promote the integration of Afghanistan into interregional economic processes, to promote the implementation of socially significant and infrastructure projects, including the formation of transregional transport, energy and other corridors.

Representatives of the Government of Afghanistan and heads of other delegations noted the importance of the initiatives put forward by the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, including the construction of the Termez-Mazar-i-Sharif-Kabul-Peshawar railway, the laying of the Surkhan-Puli-Khumri power line, and the creation of a transport and logistics hub "Termez Cargo", as well as the transformation of the training center in Termez into the Educational Cluster for Training Personnel for Afghanistan.

The participants supported the opinion of the Leader of Uzbekistan on the need to encourage and support the steps of the Afghan government for the peaceful development of the country, improving the socio-economic situation, establishing friendly relations with neighboring states and mutually beneficial cooperation with the international community.

The participants reacted with great attention to the statement of the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi about breaking the ties of the new authorities of the country with various terrorist groups, primarily the Islamic State. It was noted that the Afghan government ensures security, stability and measures are being taken to provide public and social services to the population.

The importance of the implementation by the Interim Government of Afghanistan of the key requirements of the world community for the formation of a government based on broad representation, ensuring the rights of women and the access of Afghan girls to receive a full-fledged school education was emphasized. This will be a fundamental condition for the completion of the process of national reconciliation in Afghanistan.

The head of the Afghan delegation told the forum participants that the government of Afghanistan is considering in the most serious way the concerns expressed by international partners regarding state building and the realization of human rights and interests, including the rights of women and national minorities. The Afghan side noted that the country’s government is pursuing a "zero tolerance" policy regarding drugs and corruption.

The participants noted with satisfaction the confirmation by the Government of Afghanistan of its earlier commitments to prevent the use of the territory of this country against the security interests of other States.

Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the participants expressed confidence in the need to consolidate the efforts of the international community aimed at providing humanitarian and economic assistance to the Afghan people, restoring the country’s national economy as a whole.

Delegates noted the consistent efforts of the United Nations and its specialized agencies to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and spoke in favor of continuing assistance programs.

The participants reiterated the importance of unfreezing Afghanistan’s financial assets abroad, which should be directed by the government of the country to address socio-economic and humanitarian issues, problems in the areas of health and education, meet the needs and requirements of the entire 35 million Afghan population, and implement significant investment projects .

Readiness was expressed to continue close coordination of international efforts and joint work to promote the post-conflict reconstruction of the country and its integration into the world community.