Azerbaijan plays an important role in the process of stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry

Almaty. March 18. Silkroadnews – Azerbaijan plays an important role in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan, Deputy Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Hekmat Khalil Karzai, the Afghan Telegraph Agency (AfTAG) reports.

“Azerbaijan plays a vital role in restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan. As one of the key countries in the Heart of Asia format of Istanbul Process and Afghanistan's close partner, Azerbaijan has supported this process and continues to play an essential role in efforts related to different spheres”, Hekmat Khalil Karzai said at the meeting of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process held in Baku.

Karzai emphasized, this process should strengthen economic projects and trade in the region. Also, he added, it is important to facilitate the political dialogue between countries.

The Deputy Minister also noted the importance of the Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India gas transportation project (TAPI) and other regional projects for Afghanistan.

The “Istanbul process” unites the neighboring countries, both directly bordering and large regional players. Its aim is to stabilize the situation in Afghanistan through the development of practical cooperation with this country. In 2012 Azerbaijan was invited to join this format. The process involves 14 member-states, as well as 16 participating countries and 12 regional and international organizations supporting its agenda.