“Afghanistan is approaching the verge of grave humanitarian crisis with each passing day” – Shavkat Mirziyoyev

During his speech, Mirziyoyev touched upon the situation in neighboring Afghanistan.

“This country is approaching the verge of grave humanitarian crisis with each passing day,” said Shavkat Mirziyoyev. “Alone, without the help of the international community, including the closest neighbors, the Afghan people will not be able to withstand these difficult tests.”

“Therefore, we must join forces to develop common approaches and provide the necessary assistance to the Afghan people. We also support the consistent continuation of the implementation, jointly with Afghanistan, of large trade, transport and energy projects of regional importance,” the president noted.

The summit also discussed issues of increasing the authority of the Economic Cooperation Organization, the development of its institutional mechanisms and interaction with leading international structures.

In this regard, the President of Uzbekistan came up with an initiative to create a high-level expert group to prepare specific proposals and recommendations for further improving the ECO’s activities.

Following the summit, the Ashgabat declaration for action was adopted. The document combines the key priorities of the member countries for the further development and strengthening of regional economic cooperation.