The statement said the visit was aimed at exchanging opinions with the Central Asian states on stabilization of Afghanistan. The statement said Central Asian states are neighbours of Afghanistan and experience consequences of conflict in Afghanistan. They can play key role in ensuring regional stability, it said.

The document said France wants to develop dialogue with Central Asian states on Afghanistan and operative cooperation on issues of mutual interests such as fight against terrorism and drug trafficking.

Special Representatives of France for Afghanistan and Pakistan Mr Pierre Lellouche visited Kyrgyzstan and held negotiations with local authorities. He visited Manas airbase and met US and France military officers.

Mr Pierre Lellouche met the Uzbek President Islam Karimov and Foreign Minister Vladimir Norov during his visit on 22-23 June. The statement said Mr Pierre Lellouche expressed wish of France to strengthen dialogue and cooperation with Uzbekistan on Afghan problem. Uzbekistan plays key role in land transit of cargo from Afghanistan.

The statement said these meeting confirmed close approaches between two states on strategy, which would combine needs, dictated with security and support of good management and development.