Uzbekistan calls for more active development of trade relations with Afghanistan and its involvement in regional economic processes - Uzbek president

TASHKENT. July 21 (Interfax) - Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his speech at the consultative meeting of the heads of the Central Asian states in Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, on Thursday called on his colleagues to ensure lasting peace in Afghanistan and its socio-economic recovery.

"Further close cooperation on issues relating to ensuring lasting peace in Afghanistan and its socio-economic recovery should remain our top priority," Mirziyoyev was quoted as saying by his press service.

The countries of Central Asia are the closest neighbors, who "should be more interested in stability in this country than anyone else," he said.

Uzbekistan favors "active development of trade ties with this country, its involvement in regional economic processes, expansion of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan, and promoting important social and infrastructure projects," he said.