BAKU: Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted Afghanistan’s pivotal contribution to regional stability and its integral role in Central Asia.
During a special session of the United Nations on the economies of Central Asian countries (SPECA) held in Baku, Azerbaijan, President Mirziyoyev stressed the necessity of the Taliban’s participation in global talks for achieving positive outcomes, emphasizing that Afghanistan, as an integral part of Central Asia, cannot be left alone with its challenges.
“Today’s meeting is taking place without the participation of representatives from Afghanistan, even though this country is an integral part of Central Asia and is critical to regional stability,” he stated. “We cannot afford to leave Afghanistan alone with its problems. A positive outcome cannot be achieved without engaging the current Government of Afghanistan in international dialogue.”
Uzbekistan’s President Calls for Collaboration with Afghanistan
The Uzbek President called on the United Nations Economic Commission to collaborate with Afghanistan in the economic sector, recognizing the importance of inclusive engagement.
Experts suggest that neighboring countries and the region are advocating for Taliban participation in global talks due to economic and trade interests, as well as concerns about potential extremist activities in Afghanistan.
Abdullah Qarluq, a former member of the Afghanistan Senate, explained, “The motivations behind the actions of certain neighboring and regional countries can be traced to a couple of factors: firstly, their economic and trade interests, and secondly, their apprehensions regarding extremist groups.”
Despite occasional concerns about extremist activities, Russia and Central Asian countries have maintained warm relations with the Taliban since their rise to power in August 2021. These countries continue to host and cooperate with the Taliban, recognizing the complexities and interconnected challenges facing the region.
