The chair of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) discussed in Kabul initiatives to increase international cooperation and enhance security in Afghanistan, the organization said on Monday.
"Security in Afghanistan is linked to security in Central Asia and beyond," Kazakh Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev, who currently holds the OSCE rotating chair said. "It is in our common interests to maintain a stable and secure environment in and around this country," Saudabaev said.
In a meeting with EU Representative Ambassador Vygaudas Usackas, Saudabayev emphasized the need for international organizations to work in close cooperation and find common approaches to addressing the problems faced by Afghanistan.
Saudabayev said members of the OSCE states are "committed to combating terrorism, as well as the trafficking of drugs, light arms and people."
Afghanistan, an OSCE partner for cooperation since 2003, borders three OSCE participating states. The foreign ministers of the 56 OSCE participating states agreed in 2007 to intensify OSCE engagement in Afghanistan.
"Kazakhstan will continue to play an active role in further OSCE activities on ensuring stability and security in Afghanistan through constructive political dialogue and by stimulating cross-border cooperation and trade," Saudabayev said, adding that the Afghanistan issue will be on the agenda of an OSCE Summit, which Kazakhstan has proposed holding this year.
VIENNA, May 17 (RIA Novosti)
