On the meeting of Deputy Ministers of Central Asian States, China and Afghanistan

Nur-Sultan, December 9, 2020 - A meeting of the Deputy Foreign Ministers of Central Asia, China and Afghanistan on trade and connectivity was held via videoconference.

The meeting participants exchanged views on a number of topical issues on the regional and international agenda. The main focus was on deepening trade and economic interaction and cooperation in the transit transport sector.

The parties stressed the importance of expanding intraregional trade, ensuring a stable and uninterrupted operation of the regional supply chain as well as taking joint measures to restore the economies of the countries. The participants expressed interest in strengthening transit and logistical potential using existing transport corridors.

The Deputy Foreign Ministers highly appreciated the cooperation in the combat against coronavirus infection and expressed interest in strengthening joint measures for the prevention and treatment of COVID-19.

The sides expressed their readiness for mutually beneficial cooperation in promoting the peace process and political settlement of the situation in Afghanistan, as well as strengthening trade, economic, transport and infrastructure ties with the country.

The meeting participants also discussed issues of cooperation in the combat against international terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, human trafficking, transnational organized crime and other challenges and threats to regional security, including within the framework of international organizations.