On 26th July 2022, an international conference on ‘’Afghanistan: Security and Economic Development’’ was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. It is an honour for Mr. Khalid Taimur Akram, Executive Director, PRCCSF that be invited to this international conference on the special invitation from the Foreign Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
The international conference was attended by high-profile special representatives on Afghanistan, regional stakeholders, 30 different countries, experts from analytical centres from all around the world, and institutions, i.e., the United Nations, the European Union, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.
The main goal of the forum was to develop common approaches towards ensuring security and stability on the territory of Afghanistan, implementing in practice the infrastructure projects in the energy and transport-communication spheres, as well as rendering humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people. The conference commenced with the inaugural online speech by the President of Uzbekistan, His Excellency Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
The international conference was amid significant plenary sessions and interactive discussions. Moreover, presentations on four projects were also given by Uzbekistan, including humanitarian projects and infrastructure development projects in Afghanistan. It was affirmed in the conference that the entire international community should increase efforts in creating the real prerequisites for Afghanistan to become a peaceful, stable and prosperous land – free from terrorism wars and narcotics.
The common priority must become the rehabilitation of Afghanistan’s economy. It is such an approach, which is considered an important condition for achieving regional cooperation. In particular, this direction includes its integration into inter-regional economic processes, implementation of the infrastructure and socially significant projects.
The experts and high-level delegations appreciated the role of Uzbekistan in making a tangible contribution toward the socio-economic and humanitarian recovery of Afghanistan, including through the promotion of the large trans-regional infrastructure projects. The international Conference has indeed provided an effective platform for productive discussions and the development of concerted approaches, which corresponded to the interests and aspirations of the people of Afghanistan.
