6th Moscow Format meeting calls for moderate Afghan governance

ISLAMABAD: The 6th meeting of Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan called for moderate, prudent and inclusive governance of the de facto authorities of Afghanistan to protect the basic rights and interests of all the Afghan people, including women, girls and all ethnic groups and continue to work to meet Afghan people’s interests.

A joint statement from Moscow also expressed deep concern over the security situation related to terrorism in Afghanistan noting that all the terrorist groups, based in Afghanistan continue to pose a threat to global and regional security.

In the absence of the special envoy on Afghanistan, Pakistan was represented by Ahmad Nasir Warraich, Additional Secretary on Afghanistan and West Asia.

The Moscow Format was also participated by special representatives and senior officials from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi took part in the event as the main guest. The participants also asked Afghanistan to strengthen its counter-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

“Afghanistan should be supported in taking comprehensive measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of terrorism and to eradicate terrorism at an early date.”

Pakistan has frequently called upon Kabul to rein in the TTP which uses its soil to continuously carry out terror attacks against Pakistan and this found its place in the joint statement.

The Moscow Format meeting and the joint statement focused on terrorism and also called upon Kabul to fulfill its international obligations and commitments made by it to fight terrorism, dismantle and eliminate all terror groups equally and non-discriminatory and prevent use of Afghan territory against its neighbours, the region and beyond.

The Moscow Format of consultations is the most influential multilateral platform where regional countries coordinate their practical approaches to the Afghan peace settlement.

During the meeting, the sides unanimously reaffirmed their support for Afghanistan’s development as an independent, unified and peaceful state. They expressed their readiness to assist Kabul in counter-terrorism and anti-drug efforts.

The meeting participants indicated their interest in developing regional infrastructure projects involving Afghanistan and noted the promising nature of economic and trade exchanges and investment cooperation with Kabul.