Connectivity In Asia Region Key To Peace In War-Torn Afghanistan: UN Chief

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the countries of Central and South Asia can only fully benefit from potential opportunities if the region at large is at peace

The countries of Central and South Asia can only fully benefit from potential opportunities if the region at large is at peace, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has said, underlining that the promise of connectivity itself should become a "counterbalance" to the threat of further deterioration in war-torn Afghanistan. "Connectivity is central to trade, economic growth and sustainable development. But connectivity is not just about economics. It drives regional cooperation and encourages friendly relations among neighbours, near and far," Guterres said in a video message to the high-level International Conference on Central and South Asia: Regional Connectivity in Uzbekistan''s capital, Tashkent on Friday."Enhanced connectivity that is environmentally sustainable and based on the rule of law can contribute to building long-term peace, stability and prosperity in Central and South Asia. This is crucial now more than ever," he said. He said the countries of Central and South Asia can only fully benefit from potential opportunities if the region at large is at peace. "This places an even higher premium on the importance of active and collective engagement in support of Afghanistan''s peace and security."