Regional Powers Demand End to Sanctions, Reject Foreign Meddling at Tehran Summit Focusing on Afghanistan’s Future
Special envoys from Iran, Pakistan, China, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Russia convened on Sunday for a diplomatic meeting.
The participants evaluated the most recent developments in Afghanistan and highlighted the critical need for regional collaboration, advocating for a region-centered strategy to effectively tackle the challenges associated with the country.
In a joint statement, the nations emphasized the importance of bolstering stability in Afghanistan, expressing their willingness to provide assistance if requested by Afghan authorities.
They emphasized the significance of maintaining economic and trade ties with Afghanistan to enhance the living standards of its citizens and underscored the need to incorporate the nation into regional political and economic frameworks.
Citing security concerns, the participants announced their readiness to collaborate with Afghanistan in the fight against terrorism, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.
They underscored the duty of the international community to remove sanctions on Afghanistan and release its assets, cautioning that economic pressure directly impacts the Afghan populace.
The meeting firmly opposed initiatives by foreign nations to establish a military foothold in Afghanistan and emphasized that those responsible for the current state of affairs in the country should actively participate in its reconstruction and economic and social rejuvenation, refraining from using aid as a political tool.
The statement urged international organizations to assist in facilitating the return of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries and to ensure the conditions for their return are dignified.
Participants expressed their backing for initiatives aimed at alleviating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, indicating a willingness to contribute to fortifying these efforts. They urged both nations to return to the negotiation table and settle their disputes via diplomatic channels.
The assembly concurred that the fifth gathering of foreign ministers from countries neighboring Afghanistan should convene promptly in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. Additionally, there was an expression of appreciation for Pakistan’s willingness to host the second session of the special envoys’ meeting in Islamabad slated for March of the following year.
