Concluding their meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on Thursday, the Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbours, including Russia, in a joint statement emphasised the importance of the formation of “an inclusive and comprehensive government which reflects the interests of all segments of Afghan society.”
The meeting was attended by the Foreign Ministers of China, Russia, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Pakistan and Iran.
The statement, posted on the Iranian Foreign Ministry website, further adds that the “terrorism related security situation” in Afghanistan continues to remain severe and that the meeting parties were committed to strengthen cooperation in forming a united front against terrorism in the region.
The parties also express “deep concerns” on the state of humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan and call on the UN to play a key role in providing humanitarian assistance to the country.
The Uzbek Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement on Thursday:
“During the forum, the parties discussed the existing condition in Afghanistan, the implementation of the main demands of the world community by the current authorities of Afghanistan, such as the creation of an inclusive government, the opportunity for Afghan women to work and receive education, and ensuring the rights of national minorities.
“The sides emphasized the need to develop a joint action mechanism to provide humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and restore the country’s national economy.”
The Taliban Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, was also invited to Samarkand, where he was met by officials from the attending countries, including the Iranian Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during which he was pressed on the formation of an inclusive government and Iran’s water rights.
