Leaders of Central Asian countries and the President of the European Council Charles Michel said Friday after a meeting in Cholpon-Ata in Kyrgyz Republic that they shared common concerns over the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan and highlighted the importance of respect for human rights.
In a joint communique issued after the meeting, the presidents reaffirmed their commitment to see Afghanistan develop into a secure, peaceful, stable, prosperous country and recognized the efforts of the international community to assist the people of Afghanistan.
They underlined the importance of the establishment of an inclusive and representative government and the importance of promotion of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans citizens, in particular women, girls and ethnic groups.
Presidents Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, of Kazakhstan; Sadyr Zhaparov of Kyrgyz Republic; Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan; Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan; and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Chair of the Cabinet of Ministers Nurmuhammet Amannepesov attended Friday’s meeting in Cholpon-Ata to review the multilateral cooperation between the EU and Central Asian states since last year’s inaugural meeting in Astana and various challenges affecting the region.
Among numerous issues discussed, the situation in Afghanistan was also raised.
Participants called on the international community to “step up humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan and noted the key role of the UN in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in a principled manner” and underlined the importance of the establishment of an inclusive and representative government.
They also emphasized the importance of promotion of and respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms of all Afghans citizens, in particular women, girls and ethnic groups.
In this respect, they noted the importance of the EU – Central Asia dialogue on Afghanistan, including the outcomes of the fourth meeting of the EU and Central Asia Special Representatives and Special Envoys for Afghanistan held on 25-26 May in Ashgabat.
