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Afghanistan, US, Tajikistan discuss peace process, regional security 

Afghanistan, US, Tajikistan discuss peace process, regional security 

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20 Mar 2021 - 15:16
Afghanistan, US, Tajikistan discuss peace process, regional security 
author avatar
20 Mar 2021 - 15:16

KABUL (Pajhwok): Afghanistan, US and Tajikistan have discussed issues of mutual importance, Afghan peace process and regional security issues during trilateral level video link meeting, a statement said on Friday.

The meeting was co-chaired by US Under Secretary of State for Political Affairs David Hale, Afghan Foreign Minister Mohammed Haneef Atmar, and Tajik Foreign Minister Sirojiddin Muhriddin.

Participants reaffirmed their shared commitment to partnership, cooperation, and collaboration to promote prosperity, security, and peace in Afghanistan and Tajikistan, as well as prosperity across and throughout Central Asia.

The meeting called on countries of the Central Asian region and the international community to support the Afghan-led, Afghan-owned peace negotiations for a united, sovereign, stable, democratic, secure, inclusive, and self-reliant Afghanistan; at peace with itself and its neighbors; Seek to preserve the economic, social, political, and development achievements of the last two decades, and intend to build upon those gains with regards to human rights, especially women’s rights.

They expressed their concerns over the increased level of violence and targeted killings and highlight the urgent need for a reduction in violence leading to a ceasefire to end the violence;

Seek greater trilateral cooperation in the security, political, people-to-people, energy, and economic realms;

Intend to increase regional cooperation, information sharing and border security, and coordination to counter terrorist threats;

Plan to improve mutual efforts to combat cross-border threats and address issues of drug trafficking and the movement of illicit materials, including through strengthened cooperation between Tajik and Afghan authorities at border crossing points.

The trilateral meeting Recognize the United States intends to continue providing assistance in capacity building of the border security and counter-narcotics forces of the two countries. Also, the United States intends to provide training and technical assistance in risk management for Afghanistan and Tajikistan.

They agree to expand the reach of cultural and educational exchanges and network building efforts; Support increasing English-language proficiency to expand access to English-based information sources, counter disinformation, and provide greater economic opportunity throughout the region and internationally.

The three countries pledged to enhance participation in people-to-people programs, such as the C5+1 Youth Council, to build on the linkages between the peoples of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and the United States and encourage the countries’ future leaders to come together to create solutions to shared challenges.

They vowed to Support the continuation of regional energy infrastructure projects, such as CASA-1000 (Central Asia South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project) and electricity transmission projects.

These projects should prioritize increasing electrical connectivity, regional cooperation, provide transit revenues, and clean, reliable energy to Afghanistan and countries in Central Asia; Will discuss how to enhance connectivity between Afghanistan and Tajikistan, including through the construction of new transportation routes, such as railways, and through the improvement of international transportation mechanisms, including expanded usage of the TIR system.

The meeting pledged to promote trade by supporting efforts to implement international agreements that ease non tariff barriers to trade, such as the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement and seek opportunities to expand business-to-business connections between Afghan and Tajik enterprises that open new markets and promote greater prosperity on both sides of the border;

The Participants noted their commitment to continued trilateral cooperation and partnership, including high-level, in-person consultations when public health conditions permit.

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