Ghani arrives in Tajikistan to attend Heart of Asia summit

President Ashraf Ghani arrived in Dushanbe, Tajikistan early Monday for the two-day 9th ministerial Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) conference. 

According to the Presidential Palace (ARG), Ghani will also meet with the President Emomali Rahmon, the Prime Minister Kokhir Rasulzoda, and other officials to discuss expanding of cooperation and relations between the two countries.

ARG added that Ghani will deliver remarks at the National Tajikistan University and will receive an honorary doctorate from the university.

Foreign Ministers and representatives from around 50 countries are expected to attend the two-day summit, where ways to strengthen regional consensus for peace and development in Afghanistan will be discussed.

Mirwais Naab, Deputy Foreign Minister stated: “Afghanistan, will with strength and a clear message, attend the meeting. We will reiterate [calls for a] ceasefire and reduction in violence.”

Meanwhile, Iran Ambassador to Tajikistan Mohammad Taghi Saberi said that he hoped the summit will pave the way to restoring peace in Afghanistan.

“I hope the outcome of this summit could help Afghanistan in maintaining peace and stability in the country,” Saberi said.

Viraj Singh, Indian Ambassador to Tajikistan said: “All countries demand security in Afghanistan. In this crucial summit, the countries will discuss topics and their concerns.”

The Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process was founded on November 2, 2011, in Istanbul, Turkey.

The organization was established to address the shared challenges and interests of Afghanistan and its neighbors and regional partners.

The Heart of Asia is comprised of 15 participating countries, 17 supporting countries, and 12 supporting regional and international organizations.