Turkmenistan and China actively collaborate on matters related to the economic recovery and political stability in Afghanistan, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan. A meeting took place in Ashgabat between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, Ahmed Gurbanov, and the Special Envoy of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Afghan Affairs, Yue Xiaoyong, TASS reports.
"Diplomats noted that Turkmenistan and China share similar positions and views on many current issues of global and regional politics. It was also stated that the countries actively collaborate on the issues of economic recovery and political stability in Afghanistan, maintaining a regular dialogue. Alongside this, Turkmenistan and China effectively cooperate within the format of the foreign ministers of neighboring countries of Afghanistan. In this regard, the parties thoroughly discussed the agenda of the upcoming fifth meeting of this format," the statement says.
The fifth meeting of this format is expected to take place in Turkmenistan in 2024. Gurbanov emphasized that Turkmenistan views multilateral international platforms facilitating peace-building in Afghanistan as a crucial factor in stimulating sustainable recovery and socio-economic growth in the neighboring country.
According to the Deputy Minister, Turkmenistan advocates for the development of dialogue with the new authorities in Afghanistan as the main factor contributing to maintaining stability in the country, bringing perspectives closer to achieving internal consensus and balancing interests. The country also supports the involvement of Afghanistan in regional economic integration processes through the implementation of significant infrastructure projects.
"At the same time, the Turkmen side considers it necessary to seek and utilize opportunities for consultations with authorized Afghan officials on issues related to ensuring peace and security in the region, including counterterrorism and other contemporary challenges," the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan added.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both parties confirmed that Turkmenistan and China will continue to provide comprehensive support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, adhering to the principles of friendship and good neighborliness.
CentralasianLIGHT.org
February 25, 2024