NEW YORK: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres will chair a crucial meeting with special representatives on Afghanistan in Doha on February 18-19, confirmed by Zamir Kabulov, the Russian special envoy for Afghanistan.
During an interview with the Russian State News Agency TASS, Kabulov, who also serves as the director of the Foreign Ministry’s Second Asian Department, affirmed his participation in the upcoming meeting.
He stated that Russia aims to provide guidance to its partners regarding appropriate conduct at the gathering. Attendees are expected to include Afghan politicians, civil society members, and academics.
The foreign ministry of Interim Afghan government announced that they have received an invitation to participate in the meeting.
This meeting follows a similar gathering held in Doha in May 2023. Subsequently, Secretary-General Guterres appointed Feridun H. Sinirlioğlu as special coordinator to evaluate the Afghan situation.
The assessment, presented to the UN Security Council, emphasized the importance of upholding women and girls’ rights and fostering intra-Afghan dialogue.
Regarding the Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan, Kabulov mentioned that it is “on the horizon,” indicating that such events are typically annual and often take place in the fall.
Previously, the Taliban participated in the Moscow Format meetings as guests. However, Kabulov did not provide further details regarding the location of the upcoming meeting.
