UN Secretary-General calls for closer integration of Central Asia and Afghanistan
“The entire United Nations family stands ready to assist in promoting greater cooperation and integration among the countries of Central Asia and Afghanistan, toward achieving the goals of peace, sustainable development, stability and security”, said Secretary-General António Guterres during remarks at the ministerial debate "Building a Regional Partnership in Afghanistan and Central Asia as a Model to Link Security and Development" held by UN Security Council on 19 January. He stressed that all international community is interested in turning Afghanistan into peaceful, stable nation, but the essential role in this process belongs to Central Asian countries. Growth, widening of employment opportunities and prosperity depend on accelerated economic cooperation and integration. In turn, the common geography and history of Central Asia and Afghanistan, strong cultural ties set up huge potential for mutually beneficial joint projects, trade and exchange. The statement of head of the major international organization highlights the vision, that peace in Afghanistan and peaceful solution of afghan problem lays in such areas as economic integration and joint coping with security challenges.
