China and Uzbekistan have held discussions on the current situation in Afghanistan and international efforts to resolve the country’s ongoing challenges.
According to a statement from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the two countries’ special envoys not only discussed the current developments in Afghanistan but also emphasized practical cooperation between Beijing and Tashkent regarding Afghan affairs.
The statement reads: “The sides discussed the state of regional and international efforts to resolve the situation in Afghanistan and upcoming high-level events related to Afghanistan. The meeting was held in a constructive spirit and confirmed the mutual interest in further developing practical dialogue between Tashkent and Beijing.”
Previously, Uzbekistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan had held separate meetings with the European Union Ambassador to Uzbekistan and the EU’s OSCE Special Representative, where they reviewed the current state of bilateral cooperation concerning Afghanistan.
In those meetings, both parties had emphasized the need for continued regular dialogue on peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Mohammad Zalmai Afghaniyar, a political analyst, stated: “Uzbekistan is among the countries that, over the past four years, has built relations with Afghanistan based on clearly defined mutual interests and has been an effective advocate in that regard.”
Janat Faheem Chakari, another political analyst, said: “The ongoing meeting in Uzbekistan, where Uzbek and Chinese officials are discussing Afghan affairs, is an effort to explore potential solutions to the Afghan issue.”
These discussions between the special envoys of Uzbekistan and China come as the two-day Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit—where Afghanistan is one of the central topics—is set to begin today in Tajikistan.
