In their joint statement, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and President of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan expressed their interest in speedy settlement of situation in Afghanistan and positively rated contribution of two states in rehabilitation of economy of Afghanistan.

As reported earlier, President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov paid an official visit to Turkmenistan on 1-2 October at the invitation of President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov. Presidents inked a joint statement in the result of talks.

The sides underlined initiatives of two states directed at settlement of conflict and social-economic rehabilitation of Afghanistan, the statement said.

Presidents acknowledged necessity for further expanding cooperation in fighting terrorism, illegal drug turnover, trans-boundary organized crime and other threats and challenges.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov said that fast changing situation in the region and development of agreed decision on difficult challenges demanded the meeting. He said that the challenges are connected with global economic crises and necessity to protect borders in connection with withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.

He said positions of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan have common view on issues directed at solving problems, which are expected after withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan. This is very important as Tukmenistan has large borders with Uzbekistan.

Turkmen President Gurbanguly Berdymuhamedov said that peace in Afghanistan can be reached only with political and diplomatic methods, as well as through implementation of large infrastructure projects directed at rehabilitating economy and social life in Afghanistan.