Moscow - The leaders at the fifth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, featuring special representatives and senior officials from various countries, commended the current Afghan authorities for their dedicated efforts in combating ISIS. They emphasized the need for the Afghan government to take similar action against all terrorist groups.
The participants called upon the Afghan authorities to implement effective measures aimed at dismantling, eradicating, and preventing the establishment of various terrorist groups operating within Afghanistan. This commitment was made in recognition of the challenging security situation in Afghanistan, particularly due to the increased activities of terrorist organizations, notably ISIS.
In addition to representatives from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the meeting also included the acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan, with Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Turkey attending as honored guests.
The leaders expressed their concern about the security situation in Afghanistan, urged Afghan authorities to combat all terrorist groups, and stressed the importance of preventing Afghanistan from becoming a hub for terrorism and instability that could affect neighboring regions.
The leaders acknowledged the reduction in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan as a result of effective measures taken by the Afghan authorities. They also called for increased cooperation between Afghanistan and regional countries in addressing terrorism and drug trafficking originating from Afghan territory. Most participants strongly opposed external support for terrorism in Afghanistan.
However, the representatives expressed regret over the lack of progress in forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan that reflects the interests of all ethno-political groups in the country. Despite some appointments of representatives from various Afghan ethnicities, the parties noted a lack of political diversity in the Kabul administration.
The leaders urged the Afghan authorities to engage in practical, outcome-oriented dialogues with representatives of alternative ethno-political groups to facilitate a peaceful settlement process and establish a more inclusive, accountable, and responsible government in Afghanistan.
Furthermore, the leaders called on the Afghan authorities to improve the welfare of the Afghan people, prevent further migration, and create conditions for the return of refugees. They emphasized the importance of respecting fundamental rights and freedoms in Afghanistan, including equal access to work, education, and justice without discrimination based on gender, ethnicity, or religion. They expressed concern about restrictions on women's employment and girls' education and called for the promotion of modern education in line with international standards.
The participants of the Moscow Format meeting highlighted the efforts of the UN Secretary-General to coordinate actions among international and regional partners concerning Afghanistan. They stressed the possibility of cooperation with non-regional players if the US-led western coalition, which played a role in the current crisis in Afghanistan, recognizes its responsibility for post-conflict reconstruction, unfreezes Afghan national assets, and lifts unilateral sanctions.
The parties advocated for Afghanistan to be an independent, united, and peaceful state and expressed opposition to the deployment of military infrastructure facilities by third countries in Afghanistan and its neighboring states. They emphasized the need to strengthen economic ties and encouraged the development of regional economic projects involving Afghanistan.
The leaders reaffirmed their opposition to politicizing humanitarian assistance and highlighted the importance of continuing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. They expressed interest in expanding engagement with the Afghan authorities in the areas of culture, sports, and education. The proposal made by Iran to enhance regional cooperation in Afghanistan through the establishment of a regional contact group was also acknowledged.