Tehran (TDI): Senior officials from Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries, along with Russia, have urged Islamabad and Kabul to ease tensions and resolve their differences through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.
The appeal was made on Monday at the conclusion of a regional conference in Tehran, which brought together special representatives from Iran, Pakistan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan. The meeting focused on promoting regional stability and developing a coordinated approach toward the evolving situation in Afghanistan, The Express Tribune reported.
In a statement issued after the talks, Iran’s Foreign Ministry said participants reviewed recent developments in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for regional convergence and a region-led strategy to address the country’s political, security and economic challenges.
While security concerns were discussed, the statement reflected a relatively moderate tone among most participants. Rather than directly calling on the Taliban authorities to dismantle militant groups, several countries expressed readiness to engage with Kabul and support stability efforts.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of ongoing humanitarian and economic hardships in Afghanistan, as well as strained relations between Islamabad and Kabul. In a notable regional signal, participants voiced support for initiatives aimed at reducing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan and explicitly urged both sides to resume negotiations.
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They reaffirmed their willingness to assist in confidence-building efforts and stressed that outstanding disputes should be addressed through diplomatic channels.
On security matters, the envoys expressed shared concern over threats emerging from Afghan territory and underlined the importance of strengthening stability in the country. They said they were prepared to assist Afghanistan in this regard, should Kabul seek regional support.
The participants also conveyed readiness to cooperate with Afghanistan in combating terrorism, drug trafficking and human trafficking, issues that continue to pose cross-border risks for the wider region.
The statement carried a clear message opposing any foreign military presence in Afghanistan, reflecting long-standing regional sensitivities following decades of external intervention. It further stressed that countries responsible for Afghanistan’s current situation should contribute to its reconstruction and recovery, without using assistance as a political tool.
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Economic stabilization and humanitarian issues featured prominently in the discussions. The participants urged the international community to lift sanctions on Afghanistan and release its frozen assets, warning that sustained economic pressure disproportionately harms ordinary Afghans.
They emphasized the importance of maintaining trade and economic engagement with Afghanistan to support livelihoods and reduce humanitarian suffering. The envoys also highlighted the need to integrate Afghanistan into regional political and economic processes, cautioning that isolation would only worsen instability.
The statement called on international organizations to play a more active role, particularly in facilitating the return of Afghan nationals from neighbouring countries. Participants stressed that refugee returns must be dignified, voluntary and sustainable.
It was agreed that the fifth meeting of foreign ministers of Afghanistan’s neighbouring countries should be convened at the earliest in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, to maintain momentum on regional coordination.
The statement also welcomed Pakistan’s offer to host the second round of the special envoys’ meeting in Islamabad in March next year.
