New Delhi, Nov 9 (UNI) Afghanistan was the focus of the bilateral discussions between National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and his Tajik and Uzbek counterparts here on Tuesday, with concerns being expressed on the sharp increase in terrorist threats from the country.
Doval met with Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council of Uzbekistan, and Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, for separate bilateral talks on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan being held tomorrow.
During talks with his Tajikistan counterpart, the two held a detailed exchange of views on Afghanistan, with significant convergence of assessments.
Concerns were expressed on the sharp increase in terrorist threats from Afghanistan in the recent past. The Tajik side highlighted the gravity of the situation in Afghanistan, said sources.
They also held talks on the looming humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.
On the bilateral side, discussions took place on deepening cooperation in areas like defence, border management and border infrastructure development.
With his Uzbekistan counterpart, Afghanistan was again the major focus of discussions.
Both sides agreed that the future of Afghanistan must be decided by the people of Afghanistan themselves, the sources said.
They felt that the legitimacy of any Afghan government within Afghanistan was important before the issue of its international recognition
Both sides emphasized the need for Afghanistan’s neighbours to ensure unhindered access of humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.
They also agreed that neighbouring states must play a constructive role in Afghanistan.
The two sides highlighted the need for long term economic development of Afghanistan.
UNI/RN