Moscow, 21 October 2021 (TDI): Third meeting of Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan took place on 20th October. The meeting was hosted by Russia. China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and a high-level Afghan delegation attended the meeting.
Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, represented Pakistan at the Moscow Format.
Pakistan stressed ‘international assistance’ for peace in Afghanistan
Speaking on the occasion, the ambassador stressed the international community’s positive engagement in Afghanistan. He called the international community to extend humanitarian support to Kabul to avert a humanitarian crisis and mass exodus of people. Ambassador Sadiq also solicited for unfreezing of Afghan assets. He said this step is imperative to avoid economic melt-down of the country.
Furthermore, ambassador Sadiq outlined the implications of a peaceful and stable Afghanistan. He stated a stable Afghanistan will ultimately induce regional peace and stability along with regional connectivity. It will also result in secure borders and mitigation of terrorism.
Additionally, the ambassador emphasized enhancing bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan. He said this will assist in combating mutual challenges including terrorism, transnational crimes, and border management.
Sharing his views, ambassador Sadiq also asked the Afghan leaders to seek out and work on the elements involved in terrorism in the country. He called on the Afghan leadership to ensure that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used to engineer terrorist attacks on any other country.
Moreover, ambassador Muhammad Sadiq stated, after all these years of conflict and turmoil, the Afghan people deserve peace. The international community must help Afghanistan in its quest for peace and stability.
Joint Statement of Third Moscow Format meeting
At the end of the Third Moscow Summit, the member countries adopted a joint statement in which they vowed to respect the sovereignty, integrity, and territorial integrity of Afghanistan. They also outlined that formation of a truly inclusive government will be imperative for official recognition of the Taliban as new Afghan authorities.
The joint statement also asked the Taliban to pursue a moderate and wise internal and foreign policy. It called for the respect of the rights of ethnic groups, children, and women in Afghanistan.
To address deteriorating humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, the member states proclaimed to convene “a broad-based international donor conference” under the auspices of the United Nations as soon as possible.
Taliban leadership appreciated the results of Third Moscow Format meeting.
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