The fourth ministerial conference of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries is set to take place on April 13 in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. Foreign ministers of Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan will come together to discuss Afghanistan’s political settlement and the stabilization efforts in the country.
According to the Russian state-run TASS News Agency, the meeting will discuss further steps by regional partners to facilitate an Afghan political settlement and stabilize the humanitarian and socio-economic situation in the country.
“Given the complicated security situation and growing terrorist activity and drug production in Afghanistan, the coordination of counter-terrorist and anti-drug efforts of the region’s countries is especially important.” the news agency quoted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia as saying.
“Special attention will be paid to regional economic integration and implementation of transport and energy projects with the participation of Kabul in accordance with previously reached agreements,” the Ministry added.
It is not clear whether the Taliban will attend the meeting. The group has yet to comment regarding the meeting.
