The first meeting of The Termez Dialogue on Central and South Asian Connectivity began in Uzbekistan on Tuesday, with the participation of the UN Political Representative for Afghanistan and Taliban officials.
The summit, which will be attended by 200 participants from different countries, will focus on regional cooperation and economic ties.
UNAMA Director-General Rosa Otunbayeva supported regional efforts to resolve the Afghan crisis.
Mohammad Naim Wardak, the Taliban’s deputy foreign minister, said Afghanistan could become a platform for connectivity and trade and transit cooperation.
He called for the international community to accept the Taliban as a “reliable partner,” citing joint projects with Uzbekistan, including a railway and a power transmission project.
The three-day summit aims to strengthen regional cooperation and implement the UN resolution on linking Central and South Asia. Although Uzbekistan does not recognize the Taliban, it has established close ties with the group.
