Uzbek President calls for resuming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation talks with Afghanistan
Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has called for the resumption of regular dialogue between the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation and representatives of Afghanistan. He said that maintaining peace and stability in Afghanistan is an essential condition for ensuring regional security and sustainable development in Central and South Asia.
Mirziyoyev raised the issue at the 25th summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation in Bishkek. According to him, the talks could focus on regional security concerns, Afghanistan’s economic development and mechanisms for Afghanistan’s participation in regional cooperation.
The Uzbek president also stressed that stability in Afghanistan could pave the way for expanding cooperation in transit routes, trade and energy between Central Asia and South Asia. He said Afghanistan is an important part of regional connectivity in this regard.
The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation is a regional body centred on security, political and economic cooperation, and Uzbekistan is among its members. Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan, hosted the 25th summit of the organisation.
