UNIPATH STAFF
Uzbekistan expressed support for reintegrating Afghanistan into the economies of Central Asia, an important component of long-term Afghan stability that would benefit the whole region.
Addressing the topic of Afghan reconstruction, Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs Abdulaziz Kamilov met in Tashkent with two U.S. officials engaged in Afghan affairs: Special Representative for Afghan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad and International Development Finance Corporation CEO Adam Boehler.
The trio emphasized the expansion of ties among the three countries, particularly in light of a successful trilateral Uzbekistan-USA-Afghanistan meeting in May 2020.
Boehler expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s leadership in regional economic development, including extending rail lines into Afghanistan. He said his organization would help finance energy, infrastructure, educational and medical projects in Uzbekistan.
Foreign Minister Kamilov stressed that peace in Afghanistan was a prerequisite for greater stability throughout Central Asia.
The meeting was part of the Uzbek-American New Era of Strategic Partnership agreed upon by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and then-U.S. President Donald Trump in May 2018. Sources: Kun.uz, UzReport, Nuz.uz