UAE committed to Afghanistan's security, stability: Minister

Ashgabat, Nov 16 (IANS/WAM) The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is committed to the security and stability of Afghanistan and stands with the people of the South and Central Asian country, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash has said at a conference here.

Gargash's comments came on Wednesday at the 7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) in the Turkmenistan capital. Several political, business leaders and representatives of 34 countries and 28 regional and international organisations attended the conference.

"The UAE has extended assistance worth $1.67 billion to help Afghanistan recover from long years of disasters and catastrophes. The assistance covered 16 humanitarian developmental sectors including infrastructure, reconstruction and economic recovery," Gargash said.

UAE is one of the largest development donors for Afghanistan. Gargash said that security and stability are vital for development in Afghanistan, lauding the Afghan government's reforms in law enforcement and political and economic fields.

"The UAE is looking forward to see a new era in Afghanistan that contributes to realisation of security and prosperity for its people and stability to the region," he said.

The UAE minister met Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov on the sidelines of the conference and discussed bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on a variety of regional and global developments of mutual concern.

--IANS/WAM

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