Today, the first meeting of the Turkmenistan–Afghanistan–US format was held, which was attended by foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov, US under Secretary of state for political Affairs David Hale and acting foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan Mohammad Hanif Atmar. This is reported by the Turkmen foreign Ministry.
The meeting, which was held in the format of a video conference, was devoted to discussing important issues of a political, trade, economic and humanitarian nature.
The sides agreed that this meeting within the framework of the trilateral dialogue initiated by Turkmenistan is intended to help resolve crucial issues on the regional agenda, in particular, assistance to Afghanistan.
Promotion of inter-Afghan negotiations aimed at ending the long-standing armed conflict and establishing peace in the region was one of the main topics of the meeting. In this context, Turkmenistan is ready to provide its political space for holding the next rounds of inter-Afghan negotiations, emphasizing its firm position in using exclusively political and diplomatic mechanisms to achieve peace and stability in the neighboring country.
During the meeting, the sides discussed opportunities for developing trade relations between Afghanistan, Turkmenistan, the United States and the Central Asian region by improving the efficiency of customs and other procedures in accordance with the existing agreement on trade and investment between the United States and Central Asia (TIFA).
The importance of developing transport and transit and fuel and energy corridors was noted, and cooperation on the Effective use of the Lapis-Lazuli corridor was discussed, including the identification of other transport projects that Afghanistan, Turkmenistan and the United States can work together to increase trade in the region.
Opportunities for joint implementation of infrastructure projects, including TAPI and TAP, were discussed.
Opportunities for humanitarian cooperation, including coordination of actions to counter the current pandemic and public health crises, were also considered. Social issues were raised, including the promotion of women's equality and economic empowerment.
The parties agreed to continue an active dialogue to strengthen cooperation in order to ensure peace, security and economic growth in the Central Asian region.
Following the talks, a Joint statement was adopted.
