UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has adopted a resolution on strengthening connectivity between Central and South Asia.
The resolution signed on Monday acknowledges the significance of collaboration in developing secure, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transportation networks with a view to attaining transport connectivity throughout Central and South Asia.
By enhancing the infrastructure for transport, information, and communications, and also by building new international transportation corridors that open practical, affordable, commercially viable, accessible, inclusive, and safe routes to seaports, it promotes the continuation and expansion of cooperation between Central and South Asia. It acknowledges the significance of Afghanistan's potential connectivity to South and Central Asia, and also the relevance of its economic growth and inclusion into regional economic processes for long-term peace and stability.
In addition to supporting Central and South Asia's efforts to further strengthen ties between the regions and their people, the resolution emphasises the importance of creating potential tourist routes that pass through the historical and cultural hubs of those countries. These efforts include those in the fields of education, science and technology, innovation, tourism, culture, art, and sports. The significance of energy connectivity between Central and South Asia is acknowledged.
It commits to bolstering regional cooperation and regional trade agreements and encourages multilateral development banks to address gaps in trade, transport, and transit-related regional infrastructure in collaboration with other stakeholders. It also acknowledges the significant potential of regional economic integration and interconnectivity to promote inclusive growth and sustainable development. Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan all contributed to the writing of the resolution.
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