The United Arab Emirates is committed to the security and stability of Afghanistan and standing with the friendly people of the South and Central Asian country, affirmed Dr. Anwar Gargash, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, while delivering the UAE's statement before the 7th Regional Economic Cooperation Conference on Afghanistan (RECCA VII) in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

Dr. Gargash told the gathering of political, business leaders and representatives of 34 countries and 28 regional and international organisations that the UAE is one of the largest development donors for Afghanistan.

''The UAE has extended assistance worth US$1.67 billion to help Afghanistan recover from long years of disasters and catastrophes. The assistance covered 16 humanitarian developmental sectors including infrastructure, reconstruction and economic recovery,'' he added.

He confirmed that security and stability are vital for development in Afghanistan, lauding the Afghan government's reforms in law enforcement and political and economic fields.

In support of moderate Islam, Dr. Gargash noted to the UAE's role in training Afghan mosque imams on values and principles of moderate Islam, peace and coexistence.

''The UAE is looking forward to see a new era in Afghanistan that contributes to realisation of security and prosperity for its people and stability to the region,'' he concluded.

The UAE minister met Turkmenistan's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov on the side lines of the conference and discussed with him bilateral relations. They also exchanged views on a variety of regional and global developments of mutual concern.