Meeting with the Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China

On February 23, 2024, a meeting was held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan between the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmed Gurbanov and the Special Envoy on Afghan Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People's Republic of China Yue Xiaoyong.

During the meeting, the high level of relations of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China was highlighted, which are always characterized by the high level of common understanding and mutual support. In this context, it was noted that in intensifying interstate dialogue, a significant role is given to the personal contacts between leaders of two countries, which contribute a powerful impetus to the further development and expansion of Turkmen-Chinese ties.

Diplomats noted that Turkmenistan and China share similar positions and views on many pressing issues of global and regional politics. It was also stated that the countries are actively interacting on issues of economic restoration and political stability in Afghanistan and are conducting a systematic dialogue on an ongoing basis. Along with this, Turkmenistan and China effectively cooperate within the framework of the format of foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries. In this regard, the parties discussed in detail the agenda of the fifth upcoming meeting of this format.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan emphasized that Turkmenistan considers multilateral international platforms to promote peacebuilding in Afghanistan as a main factor in stimulating sustainable recovery and growth in the socio-economic situation of the neighboring country. At the same time, peacebuilding in Afghanistan is considered by the Turkmen side from the point of view of the unity of its three main directions: political, economic and social-humanitarian.

Firstly, Turkmenistan stands for the development of dialogue with the new authorities of Afghanistan as the main factor contributing to maintaining stability in the country and bringing closer the prospects for achieving internal harmony and a balance of interests in Afghanistan

Secondly, the peacebuilding process in Afghanistan cannot be considered without involving this country in regional economic integration processes through the implementation of large infrastructure projects.

And thirdly, the humanitarian component of peacebuilding in this country has always had a positive impact on this process.

At the same time, the Turkmen side considers it obligatory to search for and use opportunities for consultations with authorized Afghan officials on issues of ensuring peace and security in the region, including issues of countering terrorism and other challenges of our time.

In conclusion, the parties confirmed that Turkmenistan and China will continue to provide full support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, adhering to the principles of friendship and good neighborliness.