TASHKENT (TCA) — Global and regional powers and Afghanistan’s neighbors will attend the International Conference “Peace Process, Security Cooperation and Regional Connectivity” that will take place on March 26 and 27 in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent, the Jahon information agency reported.
The conference follows the second meeting of the Kabul Process that took place on February 28 in Afghanistan’s capital. It will be a logical extension of the efforts undertaken by the international community to secure peace and stability in Afghanistan.
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani are to deliver keynote speeches at the opening ceremony of the conference.
Among those invited to the Tashkent conference are the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres and Special Representative of the UN for Afghanistan Tadamichi Yamamoto, the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, as well as foreign ministers of China, Russia, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
It is expected that the forum participants will convey their consolidated stance – at the regional and global levels – on the need for the soonest start of direct talks between the Government of Afghanistan and the Taliban movement without any preconditions.
The conference is expected to result in the adoption of Tashkent Declaration anticipated to reflect the following key points:
First, the peace process ought to be Afghan-owned and Afghan-led and in accordance with the provisions of resolutions and decisions of the UN General Assembly and Security Council;
Second, the guaranteed integration of the armed opposition into the political life of Afghanistan and its recognition as a legitimate political force is instrumental in the success of the peace process;
Third, the international community strongly opposes all forms and manifestations of terrorism without any distinction, and recognizes that the threats of transnational terrorism, drug trafficking and organized crime are common challenges to stability and sustainable development bоth for Afghanistan, the region and the world as a whole.
In November, during the Samarkand Conference “Central Asia: One Past and a Common Future, Cooperation for Sustainable Development and Mutual Prosperity”, Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed a comprehensive program of joint efforts at the regional and international levels to secure enduring peace and stability in Central Asia, including Afghanistan.
As the President noted, “Central Asia, being in the heart of Eurasia, stands as a bridge connecting Europe and the Middle East, South and East Asia”. The region is rich in natural resources. There is a unique cultural and civilization potential, which has had a decisive influence on the development of many countries and entire regions.
Peace in Afghanistan is bedrock of stability and prosperity of Central Asia, Mirziyoyev then said.
