Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the first meeting of special representatives of Central Asian countries on Afghanistan was held, with delegations from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan participating.

Drawing on the Joint Statement following the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State and the Roadmap for Regional Cooperation Development for 2025–2027 (Astana, 9 August 2024), participants stressed the importance of establishing a Contact Group as an independent regional platform for regular dialogue on issues of shared interest.

The parties emphasized the significance of a self-reliant approach to the Afghan issue, taking into account Central Asia’s and Afghanistan’s geostrategic positions, their historically interconnected cultural and economic space, and the common interest in ensuring stability, security, and sustainable development across Eurasia.

During the session, participants reaffirmed their commitment to developing common, balanced, and realistic approaches to the situation in Afghanistan based on consensus. They highlighted the need to restore and develop trade, economic, transport-logistics, and cultural-humanitarian ties between Central Asia and Afghanistan.

The representatives exchanged views on engaging with the current de facto authorities in Afghanistan, considering the national interests of regional countries, and expressed interest in strengthening coordination in regional security, including combating cross-border crime, extremism, terrorism, and drug trafficking.

Participants also recognized Afghanistan’s role in regional efforts to achieve sustainable development goals. They underlined the importance of ensuring the Contact Group functions as a durable platform for dialogue, consultations, and coordination of efforts, agreeing to hold regular meetings, including alongside the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State.

The parties stressed that the Contact Group’s work will strengthen the independent and responsible role of Central Asian states in shaping the regional agenda on Afghanistan and ensuring sustainable development throughout the macroregion.