Leaders of the European Union and Central Asia have jointly called for the establishment of an inclusive government in Afghanistan, grounded in respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.
The appeal came in a joint statement issued at the conclusion of the first EU–Central Asia summit, held on Friday, 4 April, in Samarkand, Uzbekistan.
The summit, hosted by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, brought together heads of state who underscored their shared commitment to Afghanistan’s development and expressed concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the country.
In their statement, the leaders stressed the need for a secure, stable, and prosperous Afghanistan governed by inclusive systems that protect the rights of all citizens, including women, girls, ethnic and religious minorities. They also called on Afghanistan to honour its international obligations and live in peace with itself and its neighbours.
“We emphasised our strong commitment to see Afghanistan develop into a secure, stable and prosperous State with inclusive government and governance systems that respects the human rights and fundamental freedoms of all its citizens, including women, girls, persons belonging to ethnic and religious groups and minorities,” the statement read.
The EU and Central Asian leaders specifically urged full and equal access to education for women and girls in accordance with international standards, as well as their active participation in public and political life. The statement also called for the continuation of regular consultations between EU special representatives and their Central Asian counterparts on the situation in Afghanistan.
During the summit, President Mirziyoyev voiced particular concern over regional security threats emanating from Afghanistan and criticised what he described as the international community’s insufficient attention to the issue. He reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to engage in political consultations to promote Afghanistan’s peaceful development.
