US delegation meets Afghan President in Tashkent; discusses security crisis

A high level US delegation led by Assistant to President for Homeland Security met with Afghan President Ashraf Ghani at an international conference in Uzbekistan to discuss ongoing security crisis in Afghanistan. With US and NATO forces nearly at completion of ir pullout, Talibani miscreants have recaptured more than two-thirds of central Asian country. Despite escalating crisis in a country of more than 33 million, US president Joe Biden is amant on a swift withdrawal arguing that a delay in same could le to an indefinite fight.  

In statement, White House said that an Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall led delegation, consisting of representatives from White House National Security Council, Department of Defense and Department of State landed in Tashkent to promote security, prosperity and regional connectivity between Central and South Asia and to bolster continent's ties with US. Apart from peace in Afghanistan, issues like COVID pandemic and challenges it has posed in region were also brought to negotiation table.

Dr. Sherwood-Randall delivered opening remarks recognizing 30 years of partnership between United States and countries of Central Asia, as well as U.S. Government’s commitment to realizing region’s potential as a transit, tre, and energy hub," an online statement re.

In dendum to holding talks with Afghan leer, delegation also met Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to discuss regional tension that has arisen in aftermath of US pullout and cooperation on counter-terrorism measures. Later, Sherwood Randall held talks with Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and or high ranking officials from  Uzbekistan, Tajikstan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan to enhance security cooperation in region.

C5+1 summit

On Friday, US officials and Central Asian foreign ministers met in Uzbekistan, to conclude C5+1 summit, which was primarily focused on Afghanistan. two-day event took place in Tashkent on July 15-16 focused on exploring ways to enhance connectivity between Central Asia and South Asia through tre, transportation, and energy. Among many leers that attended meeting were Deputy Prime Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Mukhriddin, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers Rashid Meredov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Abdulaziz Kamilov, just to name a few.

Im: AP