On meeting with the Special Envoy of the Chinese Foreign Ministry for Afghanistan

On February 23, 2024, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan held a meeting of the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Ahmed Gurbanov with the Special Envoy of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China Yue Xiaoyun.

The meeting highlighted the high level of strategic partnership between Turkmenistan and China, which always had a high level of mutual understanding and support. In that context, it was noted that personal contacts between the two countries played a key role in enhancing the inter-State dialogue and gave a strong impetus to the further development and expansion of China-Turkmenistan relations.

The diplomats noted that Turkmenistan and China share similar positions and views on many topical issues of global and regional policy. It was also noted that the countries are actively cooperating on issues of economic recovery and political stability in Afghanistan and are engaged in systematic dialogue on a continuous basis. At the same time, Turkmenistan and China cooperate effectively within the framework of the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries. In this connection, the parties discussed in detail the agenda of the upcoming 5th meeting of this format.

The Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan stressed that Turkmenistan considers multilateral international platforms to promote peace-building in Afghanistan as an important factor in stimulating sustainable reconstruction and social growtheconomic situation of a neighbouring country. At the same time, the Turkmen side is considering peace-building in Afghanistan from the standpoint of the unity of its three main pillars: political, economic, social and humanitarian.

First, Turkmenistan supports the development of dialogue with the new authorities of Afghanistan as the main factor contributing to the maintenance of stability in the country and bringing closer the prospect of achieving internal harmony and a balance of interests in Afghanistan.

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

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

At the same time, the Turkmen side considers it necessary to seek and use opportunities for consultations with authorized Afghan officials on the problems of ensuring peace and security in the region, including counter-terrorism and other contemporary challenges.

In conclusion, the sides confirmed that Turkmenistan and China will continue to provide all possible support for the reconstruction of Afghanistan, adhering to the principles of friendship and good-neighbourliness.