KABUL - Top diplomats from China and six Central Asian countries have met virtually for their first dialogue on trade and connectivity.
Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Mirwais Nab tweeted: “This new mechanism expands political ties, boosts economic cooperation & promotes regional collaboration for development,”
Initiated by Afghanistan, the meeting was hosted by China. Officials from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan attended.
The participants discussed projects connecting Central Asia to South Asia.
Nab called Afghanistan a good point of connection, stressing the need for facilitating joint schemes.
The parties discussed cooperation in the fight against COVID-19, trade and economic interaction and development of transport and logistics ties.
They agreed to boost intraregional trade, resume and increase the trade turnover in the conditions of the coronavirus pandemic.
They highlighted the importance of efforts by Kabul and the international community to establish peace in Afghanistan and promote the reconciliation process. (Pajhwok)