Tashkent, 27 July 2022 (TDI): The Tashkent International Conference on the theme “Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development” was held in Uzbekistan, and Delegations from various countries and international organizations attended the conference.

Statement by Uzbekistan

As the host country of the conference, Uzbekistan made a statement that read:

  1. On July 26, 2022, the International Conference on Afghanistan on the theme “Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development” was held in Tashkent, which was attended by special representatives of the states, the closest neighbors of Afghanistan, the countries of South, Central Asia, the Middle East, the European Union, the United States, as well as a high-ranking delegation of 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 the strengthening of peace, stability and economic reconstruction of the state in the interests of the entire Afghan people, their neighbors and the world community.

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

  3. The participants of the conference expressed a common understanding that today the main priority should be the revival and strengthening of the economy of Afghanistan as an important factor in achieving lasting peace in this 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-Pul-i-Khumri power transmission line, the creation of the Termez Cargo transport and logistics hub, as well as the transformation of the training center in Termez into an Educational Cluster for training personnel for Afghanistan.

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

  5. The participants paid great attention to the statement of the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan H.E. Amirkhan Muttaki on the severance of ties between the new authorities of the country and various terrorist groups, primarily the Islamic State. It was noted that the Afghan Government was ensuring security, stability and taking measures to provide public and social services to the population.

  6. The importance of the Interim Government of Afghanistan fulfilling the key requirements of the world community to form a government on the basis of broad representation, ensuring women’s rights and access of Afghan girls to receive a full school education was emphasized. That will be a fundamental condition for the completion of the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan.

  7. The head of the Afghan delegation told the forum that the Government of Afghanistan takes seriously 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 government of the country pursues a policy of “zero tolerance” in relation to drugs and corruption.

  8. Participants took note with satisfaction of the reaffirmation by the Government of Afghanistan of its previous commitments to prevent the use of the territory of that country against the security interests of other States.

  9. 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 national economy of the country as a whole.

  10. Delegates noted the consistent efforts of the United Nations and its specialized agencies to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and called for the continuation of assistance programs.

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

  12. 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.