Uzbekistan Offers to Mediate Afghanistan-Taliban Peace Talks

The move that could make Tashkent a player in settling the decades-long conflict in Afghanistan.

A photo from an attack claimed by the Taliban in Afghanistan’s capital of Kabul. Representative image.

(Photo: AP)

After Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan for peace talks with the Taliban, Uzbekistan, on 27 March, offered to host peace talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban, a move that could make Tashkent a player in settling the decades-long conflict in the neighbouring country.

The former Soviet republic is seeking to raise its international profile as part of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's campaign to open up the nation of 32 million and attract foreign investment after decades of isolation and economic stagnation.

At a conference in Tashkent attended by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that Uzbekistan was ready to create the conditions required for peace talks.

We stand ready to create all necessary conditions, at any stage of the peace process, to arrange on the territory of Uzbekistan direct talks between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban movement.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President, Uzbekistan

European Union foreign affairs chief Federica Mogherini and a number of foreign minister including those of Russia, China and Turkey, also attended the Tashkent conference, but there were no Taliban representatives.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani Unveils Plan for Peace

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani unveiled a plan to open peace talks with the Taliban, on 28 February, including eventually recognising them as a political party, just days after the militants called for direct negotiations with the US.

A ceasefire should be held, the Taliban should be recognised as a political party and trust-building process should be initiated. Now the decision is in your hands, accept peace... and let’s bring stability to this country.

Ashraf Ghani, Afghan President

The apparent openness by both sides to some form of negotiations came as civilian casualties have soared in recent months, with the Taliban increasingly targeting towns and cities in response to a new and more aggressive US military policy ordered by President Donald Trump.

Peace Talk Mediation: A New Hope for Uzbekistan in Asia

Shavkat Mirziyoyev took over the predominantly Muslim Uzbekistan after the death in 2016 of authoritarian President Islam Karimov, who had run the country since the Soviet era.

Tashkent's ties with the West were strained under Karimov who was often criticised over his government's human rights abuses.

However, Mirziyoyev has promised to liberalise the country and has launched a diplomatic campaign to bring in foreign investment and boost trade.