[HIGHLIGHTS] With the participation of Russia, Pakistan and Iran. Meeting in Uzbekistan of Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan's Neighbouring Countries

The foreign ministers of Afghanistan, Russia, Iran, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan will meet Thursday in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The conference will consider further steps to promote a political settlement in Afghanistan and the stabilization of the humanitarian and socio-economic situation there.

A joint statement issued by China,. Pakistan, Russia and Iran called on the United States and its allies to shoulder their responsibilities towards Afghanistan, lift sanctions and return frozen assets. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov will also participate on Friday in the sixth meeting of the foreign. ministers of Russia and Central Asia.