Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Uzbekistan, emphasized the need for constructive engagement and practical cooperation with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan during a ceremony marking the 34th anniversary of his country’s independence.

Highlighting Afghanistan’s role as a crucial factor in regional and global security, he said that constructive and practical engagement with the Afghan government is essential.

“Considering that Afghanistan is a key factor in regional and global security, we believe it is necessary to have constructive and practical cooperation with the government of this country. We are paying special attention to developing transportation and logistics routes for mutually beneficial cooperation in new and promising directions with South Asian and Middle Eastern countries,” he said as quoted by TOLOnews.

The Uzbek president had previously expressed concern over the international community’s declining attention to Afghanistan. At the second “China–Central Asia” summit held in Astana, Kazakhstan, he proposed the creation of a high-level group to address Afghanistan-related issues.

Uzbekistan is among the countries that, over the past four years, has maintained active economic relations with the Islamic Emirate and has consistently emphasized sustainable engagement with Afghanistan’s current government, as well as supporting its reintegration into the international community.