<p><a href="/en/afganistan/kabul" class="glossify-link">KABUL</a> (Pajhwok): A preparatory meeting of regional technical groups (RTG), seeking to promote economic connectivity, has taken place in Ashgabat.</p>
<p>Supported by the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE), the meeting was organised within the framework of the Istanbul Process on <a href="/en/afghanistan" class="glossify-link">Afghanistan</a>.</p>
<p>Experts from Afghanistan, Turkmenistan participating countries of the Istanbul Process and representatives from regional and international organizations attended the event.</p>
<p>The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan arranged the meeting with support from the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat.</p>
<p>According to an OSCE statement, the participants discussed multilateral funding mechanisms and the reliance of trade facilitation on the development of physical infrastructure and regulatory framework.</p>
<p>Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vepa Hajiyev told the participants: “The event is held ahead of a meeting of the foreign ministers of the Istanbul Process participating countries on December 9.”</p>
<p>The ministerial gathering will confer on ways of resolving issues pertaining to durable peace and sustainable development in Afghanistan.</p>
<p>Hajiyev believed infrastructure projects were a key factor in promoting security and stability in Afghanistan. “We are confident today’s meeting will make a positive contribution to … strengthening security and economic progress in Afghanistan.”</p>
<p>Natalya Drozd, head of the OSCE Centre, said: “We consider regional cooperation a powerful mechanism for stability and economic prosperity.</p>
<p>“OSCE commends the active role of Turkmenistan as a regional actor and contributor to the regional stability,” he added.</p>
<p>The Istanbul Process is a platform for regional dialogue and cooperation on encouraging security, as well as political and economic stability between Afghanistan and its neighbours.</p>
<p><a href="/en/pan" class="glossify-link">PAN</a> Monitor/mud</p>
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