In a significant development, Bharat took part in a regional conference organized by the Taliban government on Monday, January 29, in the lead-up to the UN-convened meeting on Afghanistan scheduled for next month. This marked the first such program held in the capital city of Afghanistan.
The conference, named Afghanistan’s ‘Regional Cooperation Initiative,’ was chaired by the Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and saw the participation of special envoys from Russia and China. Resident diplomats from several countries, including Bharat, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, were also in attendance. Notably, due to the Taliban government’s lack of formal international recognition, diplomats were referred to as ‘chief d’affairs’ rather than ambassadors.
Bharat, represented by the head of its technical team in Kabul, Rambabu Chellappa, actively engaged in the session. According to a statement from the Bharat foreign ministry spokesperson on social media, Bharat emphasized its active involvement in both international and regional initiatives, expressing support for efforts leading to the stability and development of Afghanistan.
During the conference, the Taliban minister reiterated their opposition to the appointment of a UN special envoy for Afghanistan. In the previous month, the UN Security Council had passed a resolution proposing the appointment, but it faced challenges with Russia and China abstaining and using their veto to prevent its adoption.
Muttaqi, the Taliban foreign minister, emphasized that Afghanistan, having endured prolonged conflicts, achieved peace, security, and stability. He argued against the necessity for another UN special representative or mission, citing the presence of UNAMA on the ground. The Taliban government asserted its readiness to conduct talks on common issues with various regional and international stakeholders.
The participating countries were urged to accurately present the current realities of Afghanistan during the upcoming Doha meeting. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to host a meeting of special envoys from regional countries and international organizations on Afghanistan in the Qatari capital of Doha on February 18-19. The discussions are expected to play a crucial role in addressing the complex situation in Afghanistan and fostering cooperation among nations involved.
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