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Central Asian representatives hold talks on Afghanistan
The meeting brought together envoys from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, who underscored the importance of establishing a structured regional framework to manage discussions on issues of shared concern regarding Afghanistan.
Special envoys for Afghanistan, from Central Asian countries, convened in Tashkent on Tuesday to discuss the latest political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country.
The meeting brought together representatives from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, who underscored the importance of establishing an independent and structured regional framework to manage discussions on issues of shared concern regarding Afghanistan.
Drawing on the Joint Statement following the Sixth Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State and the Roadmap for Regional Cooperation Development for 2025–2027 (Astana, 9 August 2024), participants stressed the importance of establishing a Contact Group as an independent regional platform for regular dialogue on issues of shared interest.
They emphasized the need for collective responses to security challenges, cross-border threats, and humanitarian crises stemming from developments in Afghanistan.
Participants agreed that closer cooperation among Central Asian neighbors is vital for ensuring regional stability, addressing migration pressures, and supporting peace and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan.
The talks in Tashkent follow a series of recent international meetings on Afghanistan, including the Doha process led by the United Nations and the Moscow Format consultations.
While most governments in the region have yet to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate, they continue to engage with Kabul authorities on practical issues such as border management, counterterrorism, trade, and humanitarian support.
Analysts note that Central Asian states see stability in Afghanistan as directly tied to their own national security and economic development.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the former US special representative for Afghanistan, has questioned Pakistan’s commitment to the welfare of the Afghan people, citing Islamabad’s policies over the past three decades.
Khalilzad said in a post on X that Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif advocated for the rights of Afghan women during his speech at the UN General Assembly on Friday.
Sharif said: “Fundamental rights of the Afghan people — especially women and girls — must be respected.”
Responding to the remarks, Khalilzad said Pakistan’s policies over the past 30 years raise questions about Sharif’s commitment to Afghan welfare.
He cited Pakistan’s support for militant groups against US forces and what he described as the poor treatment of Afghan refugees as examples.
Khalilzad also said Afghanistan and Pakistan need and should have much better relations, adding that “a reset is necessary.”
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with the UN Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, Rabab Fatima, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
Indian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said in a post on X that Misri underscored the need to keep addressing the humanitarian needs of the Afghan people as a priority.
Misri also appreciated the role of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and reaffirmed India’s continued cooperation with the United Nations on Afghanistan.
The meeting comes as Afghanistan continues to face humanitarian and economic challenges, with international agencies warning of significant needs among the Afghan population.
Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Mukhtar Tileuberdi has called for pragmatic and coordinated international engagement with Afghanistan, saying the country’s long-term stability is closely linked to the security and sustainable development of Central Asia.
Speaking during the general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday, Tileuberdi said humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan remains essential but alone cannot break the cycle of poverty, displacement and dependency.
He said Kazakhstan supports a “pragmatic, coordinated and step-by-step” approach to international engagement with Afghanistan, with the United Nations playing a central role.
Tileuberdi also said Kazakhstan is working with the UN to operationalize the United Nations Regional Centre for the Sustainable Development Goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan in Almaty.
He said the success of the centre should be measured by the results and assistance it delivers to the region.
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