BISHKEK, June 3 (Xinhua) -- The leaders of Central Asia and the European Council have reaffirmed their commitment to the stability of Afghanistan.
They also agreed to maintain high-level dialogue and strengthen cooperation in various fields during a meeting in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan.
Present at the meeting on Friday hosted by Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov were Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Nurmuhammet Amannepesov and President of the European Council Charles Michel.
Expressing their common concern about the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan, they reaffirmed their commitment to making Afghanistan a secure, peaceful, stable and prosperous country and emphasized the need to intensify efforts to combat terrorism and extremism.
The leaders called on the international community to step up humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, highlighting the key role of the United Nations in providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
In the face of old, new and emerging challenges, they stressed the importance of further expanding mutual trade and investment mechanisms to accelerate the socioeconomic development of all parties.
The leaders decided to meet on a regular basis, planning to hold the next meeting as a first Summit next year. And the Uzbek side has proposed to host the meeting in Uzbekistan.
On Saturday, Japarov met with Michel over bilateral cooperation. ■
