(Pajhwok): Five central Asian countries on Tuesday announced their support for an Afghan-led and owned peace process and condemned ‘violent’ and ‘terrorist’ acts against the people of Afghanistan.

A joint meeting was held among ambassadors of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan at the Presidential Palace today.

The meeting at the end issued a joint declaration titled “Regional cooperation regarding peace and stability and extension of infrastructure among the five central nations and Afghanistan”.

The declaration read, “We understand the deep pain and suffering of the Afghan people during the four decades of war and consider the current change for peace in Afghanistan important; therefore, we support the Kabul process.

The ambassador said they condemned any acts of violence and terrorism imposed on the Afghan people. They reiterated the Afghan people had the right to live in lasting peace and prosperity.

“We reaffirm our commitment to international cooperation to support the Afghan government in achieving its goals of peace.”
The statement said peace and stability in Afghanistan meant peace and stability in the entire region.

The ambassadors promised to support all large-scale projects in the region that benefited the war-hit country.

Meanwhile, Mohammad Hamayoon Qaium, acting minister of finance, who was also present at the meeting, said all central Asian countries supported the ongoing Afghan peace process.

He said all certain countries had close economic relations with Afghanistan and their role in the peace process was crucial.

He said it was a moment of pleasure that all central Asian countries announced their support for intra-Afghan peace talks and infrastructure development projects across the country.