KABUL - The United States, pledging not to leave Afghanistan alone, on Thursday hoped the confidence-building measures (CBMs) adopted by the Heart of Asia Conference would lead to regional cooperation.
US Deputy Secretary of State Bill Burns told the day-long gathering in Kabul that a new framework for regional cooperation would be developed soon to bring peace and stability to Afghanistan.
Participants of the ministerial meeting are discussing a sustained and incremental approach to enforcing the CBMs agreed at the Istanbul Conference in November last year.

Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan, as well as representatives of 15 other countries and international organizations are attending the gathering.

Burns said the participants, besides debating security issues and economic development, conferred on complicated issues facing the region. "The seven CBMs identified are workable and focused on complicated issues that should be resolved gradually."

The Obama administration would help the participants enforce the CBMs through different channels, Burns promised, saying that three of the measures were centered on economic collaboration.

While noted neighbors' vows to help stabilize Afghanistan, the deputy secretary said the US remained committed to the country's reform and development of a sustainable economy -- something that needed long-term assistance from the international community.

The 10 years Afghan-US strategic deal was reflective of the growing ties between the allies, he remarked, explaining that the pact envisaged regional security and joint efforts against drugs, terrorism and organized crime.
Burns added the US would not abandon the ally and extend long-term cooperation and economic assistance to Afghanistan in ensuring its sovereignty and stability.

The US is a strong supporter of the Afghanistan-led Istanbul process, which has created an important framework for furthering regional cooperation in South and Central Asia. Burns is expected to hold talks with senior Afghan officials and representatives from other partners and regional governments. (Pajhwok)