GARMISCH-PARTENKIRCHEN, Germany – A conference examining current trends and future challenges relating to Afghanistan and regional security is drawing representatives from China, Russia and other nations to the George C. Marshall European Center for Security Studies March 13-15.

Representatives from Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkey and Uzbekistan are also included in the event. According to conference organizers, the gathering is in part designed to “look over the horizon” to identify common security challenges associated with transition and stabilization in Afghanistan.

The conference has 10 goals, according to its organizers that among them include: “outlining U.S. contributions and commitments to a stable Afghanistan at peace with itself and its neighbors; outlining German contributions and commitments to Afghan stabilization and normalization; and exploring and analyzing the perspectives of Afghanistan’s neighbors on transition and stabilization processes in Afghanistan.”

Conducted in English and Russian languages, the conference is a joint endeavor between three of the five Department of Defense Regional Centers: the Marshall Center, the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies and the Asia-Pacific Center for Security Studies. The conference will be conducted in round table and in working-group format. James DeHart, Director of the Afghanistan Office at the Department of State, is scheduled as the keynote speaker.

“We want to identify possible opportunities for improved bilateral and regional cooperation in order to promote stability in Afghanistan and the region,” said retired Lt. Gen. Keith Dayton, Marshall Center director. “Gaining a clear appreciation of these will require some candid discussion. With our partner regional centers, we look forward to engaging in those discussions.”

Keep up with the conference on the Marshall Center’s official Facebook page and Twitter feed.