Uzbekistan welcomes the launch of inclusive talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban in the Qatari capital Doha, the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
“We hope that the inter-Afghan dialogue will lead to a sustainable ceasefire and, eventually, pave the way for the establishment of a lasting and long-term peace in the country,” the statement said.
The ministry added that Uzbekistan sticks to the position that "the political process should be led by the Afghans themselves and under the leadership of the Afghan people."
Uzbekistan will reportedly continue to support the efforts and aspirations of the parties to achieve national reconciliation and will continue to provide all possible assistance to the friendly people of Afghanistan in building a stable and prosperous state.
Inter-Afghan talks began in Doha on September 12. The Afghan government delegation is be headed by the chairman of the Supreme Council for National Reconciliation Abdullah Abdullah, the Taliban - a high-ranking representative of the Mawlavi movement Abdul Hakim. The negotiations were originally planned for March but were postponed.
On February 29, the United States and the Taliban signed a peace agreement that called for the withdrawal of American troops from Afghanistan and the start of an inter-Afghan dialogue. In return, the Taliban pledged not to use Afghan territory to attack the United States and other countries.
