20 accords were signed at Kuksaroy residence following the talks between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Afghanistan Ashraf Ghani, UzA reported. The two leaders also signed a Joint Statement.
During the talks in narrow format, we reached agreements on many very important and sensitive issues, Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at a news conference.
He hailed the visit of the Afghan head to Uzbekistan calling it historical. "Today's visit has laid a solid foundation for fulfilling the desires and aspirations of our peoples. I once again welcome my dear friend, the President of Afghanistan, Mr. Ashraf Ghani in Uzbekistan,” Shavkat Mirziyoyev said, expressing confidence that henceforth there will be more mutual visits. He added that Uzbekistan fully supports the Afghan Government’s efforts aimed at achieving stability, peace, national reconciliation through negotiations, and improving the socio-economic situation.
“I underline once again that we as Afghanistan’s close neighbor are interested like nobody else in peace and security in this long-suffering country. The Afghan problem can not be resolved by military means. The only way to build peace and stability in this country is through political dialogue” he added.
The sides signed a Protocol on Formation of Joint commission for cooperation in the field of security. According to the President of Uzbekistan, this commission was given the authority to give recommendations and proposals to the heads of the two states.
Shavkat Mirziyoyev also announced that an agreement was reached on opening of Afghanistan’s consulate in the northern Uzbek city of Termez.
Uzbekistan will continue to actively participate in the economic recovery of Afghanistan, its transport and energy infrastructure and training of its human resources, he said.
Uzbek experts are implementing the Surkhan-Puli Khumri transmission line project. We also signed an Agreement on construction of Mazar-i-Sharif-Shibirgan-Maymana-Herat railway, he said.
"These two documents are of great historical significance. Special commission has been formed to speed up the realization of these agreements and responsible persons have been assigned from both sides.
Ashraf Ghani expressed his gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan "for the faith that you are investing in the future, prosperity and stability of my country - Afghanistan".
He congratulated Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the first anniversary as the President, on the 26th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. "Over the past 26 years, Uzbekistan has made serious achievements, while over the past year you have given a new unprecedented impetus," the Afghan leader said.
Ashraf Ghani welcomed the Uzbekistan’s stance on promoting regional cooperation, including with Afghanistan.
"Your position that cooperation is much more beneficial than disagreement means progress and prosperity for all our people who are truly brothers and sisters," he stressed.
Ashraf Ghani also invited Shavkat Mirziyoyev to visit Afghanistan on an official visit.
According to UzA, over $500 million worth of 40 trade deals were also signed within the framework of the visit.
