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Stanekzai calls for ‘new chapter’ of diplomatic relations
Deputy Minister of Foreign affairs, Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai, met with deputy special representative of UNAMA in Afghanistan, Marcus Potzel, and said the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) wants to open a new chapter of diplomatic relations with the world.
A foreign ministry statement said during the meeting a range of discussions regarding political issues, banking restrictions, banning the cultivation and smuggling of narcotics, and in particular the issues of climate change were discussed.
Stanekzai said the IEA wants to close the chapter of war in Afghanistan, and open a new chapter of diplomatic relations with the world in a bid to address existing problems through dialogue.
“The level of poppy cultivation in Afghanistan has been reduced to zero, the rehabilitation of drug addicts has commenced, and serious measures are being taken against those who sell and buy drugs, considering the initiative as a joint obligation of the IEA and international community,” the statement quoted Stanekzai as saying.
He also urged the UN delegation to continue supporting farmers by providing an alternative to poppy cultivation, and to remove banking restrictions.
The ministry said that Potzel acknowledged the efforts of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and said UNAMA is trying to create a basis for international cooperation with Afghanistan and pledged to work together with the IEA.
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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