Ashgabat hosted the fourth meeting in the format of Special Representatives of the European Union and Central Asia for Afghanistan and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia Terhi Hakala.

In such a multilateral format, an exchange of information took place on the events and the economic situation in Afghanistan, and further interaction in providing assistance to the Afghan people was discussed.

Roza Otunbayeva, Head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), took part in the dialogue. Permanent Director of the World Bank in Afghanistan Melinda Goode and Resident Director of the World Bank Andrey Mikhnev in Kazakhstan joined the platform via video link.

As a result of the meeting, a joint statement was adopted by the Special Envoys of the EU, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan for Afghanistan and the EU Special Representative for Central Asia, who reaffirmed their firm commitment to turning Afghanistan into a stable, peaceful and prosperous country with long-term prospects for lasting peace.

The document notes the principles and expectations set out in previous statements following discussions in this format in Tashkent, Almaty and Brussels, including with regard to human rights and the security situation.

The importance of creating an inclusive and representative government and protecting the civil, political, socio-economic and cultural rights of all Afghans was emphasized. The statement also calls on the Taliban to lift bans that limit the rights of Afghan girls and women to education, work and participation in public life.

The importance of creating favorable conditions for economic activity, the financial and banking sector and the restoration of the socio-economic infrastructure in Afghanistan is noted.

Participants called on the Taliban to prevent Afghan territory from being used as a safe haven to host, plan, train, finance or export terrorism and violent extremism to other countries.

In addition, the use of shared natural resources must take into account the needs of all neighbors, the statement said. Participants welcomed the efforts of countries and organizations in the region, as well as international partners, to prevent and eliminate such phenomena.

Given the common goal - the pursuit of peace and stability in Afghanistan and the region, the participants stressed the need to continue dialogue and cooperation in this format and with the wider international community. The next such meeting is scheduled for autumn.

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