Uzbekistan voices support for 'inclusive government' in Afghanistan

By Bahtiyar Abdulkerimov

TASHKENT, Uzbekistan (AA) – Uzbekistan on Tuesday welcomed “statements by internal forces in Afghanistan about their readiness to form an inclusive government.”

“We hope that a comprehensive peace will be achieved within the framework of the inter-Afghan talks in Doha,” the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

The Taliban have seized power in Afghanistan for the first time in almost 20 years, following rapid advances that took many by surprise.

Tashkent hopes that Afghanistan will see a peaceful transition of power on the basis of general consensus and universally recognized international law, the ministry said.

Uzbekistan reaffirmed its commitment to maintain its friendly and good neighborly relations with Afghanistan, as well as “the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of the neighboring country.”

The statement said Tashkent is in close contact with the Taliban on border protection and peacekeeping in border areas, warning that any attempt to violate the border will garner a swift and strict response.

Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in Kabul and Mazar-e-Sharif are working as usual, the Foreign Ministry added.

* Writing by Seda Sevencan