Baku, Azerbaijan, Dec.1
By Leman Zeynalova - Trend:
The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process meeting in Baku is a timely and relevant event, said Turkey's Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu at the 7th Heart of Asia - Istanbul Process Ministerial Conference in Baku Dec. 1.
This shows the collective commitment of the participating countries to work together to provide peace in Afghanistan, he added.
There is a need for more effective cooperation to ensure stability in Afghanistan, said Cavusoglu.
"We cannot say that currently, our political dialogue is at a desirable level. Terrorism, violation, narcotic trafficking are the main challenges we face today. All this demands a concerted action. We can re-energize a genuine and sustained dialogue", he said.
The Turkish minister pointed out that although significant achievements have been made in terms of ensuring stability in Afghanistan, much remains still to be done.
"Turkey will continue to stand by Afghanistan as long as it needs us," he said, adding that Turkey will continue to support Afghanistan under all circumstances.
The minister added that as the next co-chair of the Istanbul process, Turkey will continue to promote regional cooperation.
The “Heart of Asia” – Istanbul Process is an important regional platform for political dialogue and close regional cooperation aimed at promoting stability, peace and prosperity in the Heart of Asia region, and for enhancing Afghanistan's connectivity with the entire region.
The participating states are Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Nations.