Representatives from Central Asian countries, the European Union and the United Nations met in Almaty on Monday to discuss developments in Afghanistan, regional security concerns and ways to strengthen international cooperation in support of the country’s stability and development.
According to Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry, the meeting marked the eighth round of consultations between EU special envoys and Central Asian representatives on Afghanistan. Participants exchanged views on the situation in Afghanistan, its implications for regional stability, and efforts to support the country’s economic and social development.
Officials also discussed transport and transit corridors through Afghanistan, saying improved connectivity could strengthen trade links between Central and South Asia and expand access to European markets. The meeting underscored the importance of continued cooperation among regional governments, the European Union and the United Nations.
Security concerns in Afghanistan remained a key focus of the discussions. Central Asian countries have repeatedly warned that instability, terrorism, drug trafficking and irregular migration originating from Afghanistan could pose challenges to regional security. Several governments in the region have called for closer coordination to address these threats.
The talks also took place amid continuing humanitarian and economic challenges in Afghanistan. The United Nations has warned that millions of Afghans remain dependent on humanitarian assistance, while restrictions on women and girls have continued to draw international criticism and complicated broader engagement with the Taliban authorities.
Participants reaffirmed support for the UN’s role in coordinating international assistance to Afghanistan and emphasized the need for continued dialogue and cooperation to promote regional stability and sustainable development. Representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, the European Union and the United Nations attended the meeting.
