The foreign ministers and high-level representatives of the participating countries of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) adopted the Dushanbe Declaration on March 30.      

They, in particular, note that the HoA-IP promotes regional political, security and economic cooperation with the goal of building peace, stability and prosperity in Afghanistan and the entire region.

They recognize that a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire will enable all sides to reach an agreement on a political settlement, and in this regard, we affirm that any political settlement must protect the rights of all Afghans, including women, youth and minorities. 

They condemn the continuing high level of violence in Afghanistan, especially the high number of civilian causalities and deliberate targeting of civil service employees, civil society activists, human rights defenders, journalists and media workers by the Taliban and terrorist groups. 

The meeting participants also express their concerns about the continued relations between the Taliban and international terrorist groups

They remain determined to counter all forms and manifestations of terrorism and extremism by reinforcing our collective efforts.  They reiterate their resolve to work together to prevent and suppress terrorist acts through increased regional and international solidarity and cooperation.

The meeting participants are concerned about the high level of illicit cultivation and production of opium in Afghanistan, according to the Declaration.