In a regional meeting hosted by Uzbekistan on Tuesday (August 26), representatives from four Central Asian countries—Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan—emphasized the importance of restoring ties with Afghanistan and proposed the creation of a joint “contact group” to coordinate their approaches to developments in the country.
The participants underscored the need to revive and expand trade, economic, transport, logistics, cultural, and humanitarian relations between Central Asia and Afghanistan. While the issue of recognizing the Taliban was not directly addressed, the delegations called for a common, balanced, and pragmatic approach toward the evolving situation.
The countries also exchanged views on how to engage with the Taliban, taking into account each nation’s strategic interests and national priorities. They reaffirmed their commitment to enhanced regional security cooperation, particularly in combating cross-border crime, extremism, terrorism, and narcotics trafficking.
Afghanistan was recognized as a key player in regional development efforts, with the participants agreeing to hold regular meetings focused on Afghan affairs.
The representatives stressed that the continuation of the contact group’s activities would strengthen Central Asia’s independent and responsible role in shaping the regional agenda on Afghanistan and help ensure the long-term stability and sustainable development of the broader region.
