Heart of Asia Summit underway to discuss Afghan peace process
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a three-day trip to Tajikistan, is attending the Summit at the invitation of his counterparts from Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
FollowDushanbe: The 9th edition of the Heart of Asia Summit is underway in Tajikistan’s Dushanbe, aiming to strengthen a regional and international consensus for Afghan peace process.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, who is on a three-day trip to Tajikistan, is attending the Summit at the invitation of his counterparts from Afghanistan and Tajikistan.
As per the schedule, Jaishankar will hold meetings with his counterparts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and will also call on to Tajikistan President on the sidelines of the event.
In the Summit, Pakistan is also attending but nothing has been scheduled so far with regards to Jaishankar meet with his Pakistani counterpart. The relationship between the two countries is progressing towards normalcy after having strain ties for around four years. Both the countries announced the implementation of 2003 ceasefire agreement last month, which is being seen as a step forward in establishing cordial relations.
Jaishankar, who arrived in Tajikistan on Monday, discussed the Afghan peace process with Afghanistan’s President Ashraf Ghani.
In a tweet, he said, “Honour to call on President @ashrafghani before the commencement of @HeartofAsia_IP Conference. Shared our perspectives on the peace process.”
The minister also met his counterparts from Iran and Turkey.
During his meeting with Iranian foreign minister Javed Zarif, the two leaders discussed bilateral ties, including Chabahar.
With Turkey’s Mevlut Cavusoglu, he discussed Afghanistan-related developments and the India-Turkey bilateral relations.
Jaishankar also visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site.
Lauding the BRO for their work, the minister said, “Visited the Dushanbe-Chortut Highway Project site. Good work being done by
@BROindia under our grant assistance. The 8-lane highway will decongest Dushanbe.”
