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Central Asian and EU special envoys for Afghanistan gather in Dushanbe
Special envoys of Central Asian nations and the European Union (EU) for Afghanistan gathered in Dushanbe, Tajikistan, this week for discussions on the current situation in the country.
According to a statement issued by the EU, this was the 6th such meeting and participants discussed socio-economic and political developments in Afghanistan since their last meeting in February 2024.
The discussions also focused on the current human rights situation in the country, particularly concerning women and girls, as well as the ongoing security challenges and threats facing Afghanistan.
Also in attendance was the EU’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas Niklasson, who met with Tajikistan’s Foreign Minister, Sirojiddin Muhriddin, ahead of the general meeting.
The two officials highlighted the importance of regional stability and security, and explored potential pathways for addressing the challenges in the region.
They noted that Afghanistan remains a critical issue influencing regional dynamics.
While no country has yet officially recognized the IEA government, Central Asia maintains a consistent and practical rapport with Afghanistan, regardless of its leadership, Trend news agency reported.
Soon after the Islamic Emirate regained power in August 2021, Central Asian nations reached out and made contact.
Initially done by Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan soon followed and removed the IEA from its list of banned organizations.
Tajikistan has however been slower to warm to the new government but the northern neighbor has continued to export electricity to Afghanistan
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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