Representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and Russia have called on the Taliban and Pakistan to return to the negotiating table, urging both sides to resolve their disputes through diplomatic channels.
The appeal was made in a joint statement issued at a regional meeting held in Tehran, convened amid rising tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan and growing concern among neighboring states about security, stability, and economic conditions in Afghanistan.
The Tehran meeting aimed to coordinate regional approaches to Afghanistan, review recent developments, and reduce tensions that could further destabilize the country and the wider region.
According to the statement, the countries stressed their support for all ongoing efforts to ease tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan and expressed readiness to assist in strengthening these initiatives.
The Taliban and Pakistan were involved in clashes for nearly a week about two months ago, before a ceasefire was announced with mediation from Qatar and Turkey. Despite this, negotiations held in Qatar, Turkey and Saudi Arabia have so far failed to produce an agreement or significantly reduce tensions.
The meeting of special representatives of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries officially began on Sunday in Tehran. In a statement released on Monday (December 15), Iranian Foreign Ministry said participants reviewed the latest developments in Afghanistan and reached consensus on several key issues.
Regional convergence and the central role of neighboring countries in addressing shared challenges – including those related to Afghanistan – were strongly emphasized. The countries underlined the importance of strengthening stability in Afghanistan and declared their readiness to help if requested by the Afghan side.
Participants also highlighted the need to maintain and expand economic and trade relations with Afghanistan to improve the livelihoods of its people, stressing the country’s integration into regional political and economic processes.
Security concerns featured prominently in the discussions. Regional countries voiced their willingness to assist Afghanistan in combating terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking.
The statement further emphasized the responsibility of the international community to lift sanctions on Afghanistan and release the country’s frozen assets. The participants also opposed any attempts by foreign countries to establish a military presence in Afghanistan.
The countries said that responsibility for rebuilding Afghanistan and improving its economic and social conditions lies with those who have contributed to the country’s current situation. They also called on international organizations to support the return of Afghan nationals from neighboring countries and help create conditions for their safe and dignified return.
The meeting agreed that the fifth foreign ministers’ meeting of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries will be held as soon as possible in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. In addition, the second round of meetings of special representatives of neighboring countries is scheduled to take place in Islamabad in March next year.
