The parties involved in the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan acknowledged the substantial efforts made by the current Afghan authorities in combating drug-related crimes and terrorism. However, it was noted that Tajikistan did not specifically highlight the successes of the interim government of the Taliban (banned in Russia) in these areas. This statement was made by Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Director of the Russian Foreign Ministry's Second Asia Department, during a briefing.
"Many of the participants expressed appreciation for the Taliban's endeavors in countering ISIS (formerly known as the Russian-banned Islamic State, IS - TASS). We encouraged the Afghan authorities to persist in these efforts, recognizing their significance for the security of all neighboring countries. Furthermore, we commended the Afghan government for their ongoing efforts to combat the illicit drug trade. However, it should be noted that our Tajik counterparts, in line with the stance of Tajikistan's leadership, hold a notably critical perspective on Afghanistan and are less inclined to praise the current authorities," the diplomat explained.
Kabulov pointed out that "nine out of ten delegations at the Moscow format meeting did not agree with this." "Nevertheless, we respect our partner's national stance and have agreed with their suggestion to exclude them from the list of those who adopted the Kazan declaration," he added.
The Moscow format was established in 2017, originating from a six-party consultation mechanism involving special representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, and Pakistan. Its inaugural meeting took place on April 14, 2017, with the participation of deputy ministers and special representatives from 11 countries, including Afghanistan. The primary objective of this format is to facilitate the advancement of the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan and the swift establishment of peace within the country. The fifth meeting of the Moscow format participants took place in Kazan on September 29, resulting in the adoption of a joint declaration.
Discussing Afghanistan without US
Ryabkov stated that Russia disagrees with the notion that discussing the situation in Afghanistan without the US is impossible or futile. He remarked, "I don't entirely agree with the idea that discussing anything in Afghanistan without the Americans is unfeasible. We don't share that view."
According to the diplomat, Russia operates on the premise that "the primary and most significant actors include both Afghanistan's neighboring countries and other regional states whose national interests, particularly in terms of security, are intricately tied to the Afghan situation." He stressed that cooperation must be based on a regional approach.
Kabulov emphasized the necessity of addressing "a moral, political, and ethical issue, which involves the unfreezing of Afghanistan's national assets by the Americans and their return." "This bad practice of stealing other nations' funds, which began with Iran, extended to Russia, and ultimately landed on Afghanistan, has become a recurring problem. We are not going to tolerate it," he added.
"These are all substantial issues that must be resolved. Only then will we be willing to consider the Americans as partners in the efforts towards an Afghan settlement," Kabulov concluded.
US withdrawal from Afghanistan
On April 14, 2021, US President Joe Biden announced the decision to conclude the operation in Afghanistan, which had commenced in October 2001 and had become the longest foreign military campaign in American history. The withdrawal of US troops commenced in May 2021. Concurrently, the Taliban (banned in Russia) initiated a large-scale campaign to assume control of Afghanistan. On August 15, 2021, President Ashraf Ghani of Afghanistan fled the country, and the Taliban entered Kabul without resistance. By early September, US military personnel had completely withdrawn from Afghanistan, bringing to an end their nearly two-decade-long presence in the nation.
Despite the measures taken by the Taliban, Afghanistan continues to grapple with an extremely dire economic situation. According to the United Nations, 22.8 million Afghans face chronic malnutrition, and 8.7 million residents are on the brink of starvation. This dire situation is largely attributable to the fact that the extremist group has access to only 0.1% of the country's state reserves (amounting to $9.4 billion), as a substantial portion of these reserves has been frozen by the United States.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS