Pakistan on Thursday hosted a meeting of the so-called “Troika Plus” group of countries, including China, Russia, and the United States (US) to discuss the ongoing Afghan crisis. The extended Troika also met with Taliban representatives on the sidelines of the meeting.
A joint statement released by the extended Troika expressed “deep concern regarding the severe humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan” and called on the Taliban to respect the “sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity” of the country. Furthermore, the statement urged the Taliban to keep Afghanistan “free from terrorism and drug-related crime” and “contribute to regional stability and connectivity.”
The countries also called on the Taliban to form an “inclusive and representative” government, that “respects the rights of all Afghans,” especially that of women and girls. In this regard, all four countries agreed to continue to engage with the Taliban to “encourage the implementation of moderate and prudent policies” that would lead to a stable Afghanistan.
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Moreover, the statement welcomed the “Taliban’s continued commitment to allow for the safe passage of all who wish to travel to and from Afghanistan.” Additionally, it urged the Taliban to set up more airports across the country to ensure the “uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance.”
The extended Troika noted with concern Afghanistan’s “serious liquidity challenges.” Accordingly, they “committed to continue focusing on measures to ease access to legitimate banking services.”
They also called on the Taliban to prioritise “access to education for women and girls at all levels,” ensure “unhindered” humanitarian access, welcomed the role of the United Nations in the country and urged the international community to help with Afghanistan’s COVID-19 crisis.
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Prior to the meeting, delegates of the Troika Plus countries met with Taliban representatives in Islamabad, including Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who did not attend the talks. Muttaqi arrived in Islamabad on Wednesday to discuss trade and economic ties with Pakistan and met with his Pakistani counterpart, Shah Mahmood Qureshi.
Noting that any economic collapse in Afghanistan would lead to regional instability, Qureshi said during the meeting that “Troika Plus’ engagement with the new Afghan government will help consolidate peace and stability, promote sustainable economic development and help constrict space for terrorist outfits operating from and within Afghanistan.”
Qureshi also urged the international community to unfreeze funds being withheld by certain countries and organisations, including the US and the European Union. “With international funding dried up, it has become difficult to pay even salaries, let alone pursue development projects,” he said. “Any further downward slide will severely limit the new administration’s capacity to run the government,” he remarked.
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Thursday’s conference was the latest in a series of meetings on Afghanistan. The extended Troika meeting was held just a day after India hosted Iran, Russia, and five Central Asian countries to discuss the Afghan conflict. Notably, Islamabad and Beijing did not attend the dialogue, despite India’s invitation to both sides.
The last Troika Plus meeting was held in Moscow last month, which was also attended by India and Iran.