Afghanistan security concerns highlighted by Mirziyoyev at Summit

Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev stated that the global community has not adequately assessed all the threats emanating from Afghanistan. He made this remark today, April 4, during the first “Central Asia – European Union” summit.

“We are ready to continue political consultations on the peaceful development of Afghanistan. Unfortunately, the global community has not fully assessed all the threats originating from this country,” said the President.

Mirziyoyev emphasized the need to actively involve Afghanistan in regional economic processes, including investment and infrastructure projects, as well as efforts to rebuild its social sector.

“We hope the international community understands and supports the importance of establishing constructive dialogue with Afghanistan’s current government to fulfill accepted obligations,” the Uzbek leader added.

He also highlighted the growing importance of cooperation in addressing common security threats, such as terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, drug trafficking, and illegal migration.

“We support our European partners’ proposal to establish dialogue on counter-terrorism issues. Expanding practical cooperation within the frameworks of the ‘BOMCA’ and ‘CADAP’ programs is crucial,” he stated.

Previously, in an interview with Euronews, Mirziyoyev mentioned that Uzbekistan’s approach to Afghanistan has always been pragmatic and based on long-term strategic principles.