DUSHANBE, 13.06.2020. (NIAT Khovar) – Yesterday, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Sirojiddin Muhriddin took part in a video conference of Central Asian and the European Union ministers.

The video conference focused on the issues relating to multilateral fruitful cooperation between the countries on the mitigation of the impact of COVID-19, the global situation, as well as the possible directions of joint efforts to tackle emerging challenges.

In his speech, Muhriddin spoke about the timely measures taken by the government, the regular activities of the National multi-sectoral COVID-19 Task Force as well as the adoption of an action plan to prevent and mitigate its potential influence on the economy.

He also emphasized the importance of implementing joint programs in response to the current crisis and mobilizing additional resources to eliminate its consequences in the region.

EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Joseph Borrell spoke about the role of the new European Strategy for Central Asia and the Multi-Year Indicative Program 2021-2027, adopted last week, to strengthen multilateral relations and work together to address the consequences of COVID-19 in economic and social spheres of the countries in the region.

The participants highly appreciated mutual support of governments by providing humanitarian assistance and noted timely collective measures in the context of integration processes and close economic and trade relations between the countries.

The officials noted the importance of implementing large-scale regional economic and transport projects in order to ensure peace and stability and improve the security situation in Afghanistan.

The ministers also discussed issues relating to the preparations of next meetings, and the  implementation process of joint priority projects, the international agenda and other issues of mutual interest.