B. Atamkulov took part in the “India-Central Asia” first meeting Dialogue of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs with the participation of Afghanistan
SAMARKAND, January 13, 2019 – The first meeting of foreign ministers of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of India, the Kyrgyz Republic, the Republic of Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan within the framework of the India-Central Asia Dialogue with the participation of Afghanistan was held in Samarkand.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan Beibut Atamkulov noted that “Our President Nursultan Nazarbayev always pays special attention to strengthening neighborly and allied relations with the countries of the region, and the geographical and cultural and historical proximity of the countries of Central Asia, traditionally established production relations, complementarity of economies Our countries do not leave another alternative, except for deeper integration between the countries of Central Asia. ”
The Kazakh Foreign Minister stressed the importance of the meeting to bring the countries of Central Asia and India closer together, as well as give impetus to the growth of the economies of the Central Asian countries. The need to implement joint projects with India in the field of medicine, pharmaceuticals, new technologies and finance using the opportunities created by the International Technopark of IT startups “Astana Hub” and the International Financial Center “Astana” was noted. In order to increase the transit and transport potential of the region, the idea of creating a consortium with the participation of all Central Asian countries to connect the Kazakhstan-Turkmenistan-Iran and Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan-Turkmenistan-Iran rail routes with the port of Chabahar to transport cargo in the Central Asia-India direction was voiced.
The event discussed issues of economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation, as well as promoting stabilization and economic development of Afghanistan. In particular, issues of enhancing mutual trade, expanding direct contacts between business associations, developing transit-transport and communication potential of Central Asian countries, promoting joint initiatives to create international and regional transport corridors, attracting Indian investments, innovations and technologies to Central Asian economies were touched upon. Asia, including industry, energy, information technology, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, etc.
Following the meeting, the Joint Statement of the Foreign Ministers of countries was adopted. The parties noted the dynamic and fruitful development of friendly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation between India and the countries of Central Asia, reaffirmed the desire for regional cooperation, mutual support, joint solution of topical issues in order to ensure security, stability and sustainable development of the region.
The proposal to hold the first ministerial meeting in the framework of the “India-Central Asia” Dialogue was preceded by a number of meetings at the expert level, held since 2012. The initiative to hold such meetings was launched by the Indian Council of International Affairs (Indian Council of World Affairs, ICWA), together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of India.
Press-service of the MFA of the PK