KAZAN, Russia: Recently, a consultative meeting was held in Kazan, Russia, gathering representatives from Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries and other regional states, including China and India. The primary agenda of this meeting was to address the growing concerns about Afghanistan’s evolving status as a terrorism and instability hotspot, echoing the apprehensions raised by Pakistan.
The declaration issued after the fifth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan underscored the collective demand for the Taliban government to take decisive measures to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hub for terrorism and instability, acknowledging the need to combat the escalating activities of terrorist groups, particularly Daesh.
The representatives, appreciating the current Afghan authorities for their efforts against Daesh, urged them to extend their fight against all terrorist factions. They emphasized the importance of dismantling and preventing the establishment of various terrorist groups within Afghanistan to halt the country from becoming a source of terrorism and instability affecting neighbouring regions.
Furthermore, the meeting encouraged the Taliban rulers to intensify cooperation with regional countries in countering terrorism and drug trafficking, aligning with Pakistan’s persistent calls, especially amidst the heightened militancy carried out by the banned outfit Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).
The participants expressed their strong opposition to external support for terrorism within Afghanistan. They voiced regret over the lack of progress in forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan that represents the diverse ethno-political groups within the nation. Despite the appointment of some representatives from different Afghan ethnicities, there was a noted absence of political pluralism within the Kabul administration.
The attendees urged the Kabul authorities to establish a practical, outcome-oriented dialogue with representatives of alternative ethno-political groups, aiming for a more inclusive and accountable government that truly reflects the interests of all segments of Afghan society.
To improve the welfare of the Afghan people, prevent further migration, and facilitate the return of refugees, the Taliban leadership was called upon to create favourable conditions. The participants emphasized the importance of upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, including equal access to work, education, and justice for all, without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or religion.
In addition, the Moscow Format meeting criticized the politicization of humanitarian assistance by certain Western nations and urged them to recognize their responsibility for post-conflict reconstruction in Afghanistan. The need to unfreeze Afghan assets and lift unilateral sanctions immediately was highlighted, along with advocating for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful state.
The attendees strongly opposed the deployment of military infrastructure facilities of third countries in Afghanistan and its neighbouring states, emphasizing the significance of humanitarian assistance while not allowing it to be used for political purposes. The meeting concluded with a unified commitment to work collaboratively in the interest of regional stability and peace in Afghanistan.
