Dushanbe hosted the last day of the fourth Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan. The secretary of Iran’s national security advisor said that Afghanistan’s security situation, and fighting insurgency, were the main issues discussed at the meeting.
The two-day meeting was attended by national security advisors or secretaries from at least eight regional countries including Russia, India, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
“Important issues including Afghanistan’s security, counter-terrorism, Afghanistan’s refugees, and interference in Afghanistan by countries outside the region were discussed,” said Ali Shamkhani.
The meeting focused on the formation of an inclusive government to represent all sections of the society and it discussed international cooperation for providing humanitarian aid to the Afghan people.
Based on reports, the issues of security, economics and politics as well as terrorism and smuggling in Afghanistan were the main parts of the discussion. They highlighted the need to find ways to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan and to combat terrorism.
“The meeting held in Tajikistan will mostly boost political benefits for the participating countries rather than benefit Afghanistan and its people,” said Ahmad Munib, political analyst.
“In the past nine months, the Islamic Emirate has not replied positively to any demands of the world, including to form an inclusive government and the reopening of schools for girls; on the contrary, no country has recognized the government in Afghanistan,” said Sayed Jawad Hussaini, political analyst.
The Ministry of Information and Culture said that diplomatic efforts were underway to reduce tensions between Afghanistan and neighboring Tajikistan.
A member of the cultural commission of the ministry, Rohullah Omari, on Wednesday called Tajikistan a good neighbor, but said Kabul will not allow Afghanistan’s soil to be violated by any country.
“The Foreign Ministry is in touch with all countries and is working for the facilitation of good ties,” he said. “We will have discussions with Tajikistan on all issues.”
Reportedly travel between the two countries at the border is no longer possible. Stranded people say that they have spent several days trying to get across the border.
“The refugees come from Badakhshan to Takhar and from here they want to go to Shirkhan port but Shirkhan port is also shut and they are engaged in these problems,” said Fawad, a displaced person.
“The tensions that exist between Afghanistan and Tajikistan are not in anyone’s interest,” said international relations expert Hamid Obaidi. “Resolving this is possible through mutually-recognized policy and neighborly gestures.”
This meeting was a follow-up from the 3rd Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan previously held in India in 2021. It is said the second part of the meeting was held behind closed doors. The Islamic Emirate-led government has always assured neighbors and the international community that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used against any country.—Tolonews
