Secretaries of the Security Councils and national security advisers of eight countries, following consultations in Dushanbe, called on the states responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan to fulfill their obligations for the reconstruction of the republic, according to a statement adopted at the meeting.
"The heads of delegations called on the countries that are responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan to fulfill their obligations in full for the economic reconstruction of that country," the document reads.
The consultations also stressed the importance on the part of Kabul of strict compliance with international law and obligations under bilateral and multilateral treaties and agreements. Security officials said a peaceful, stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the common interest of the countries of the region and the international community.
The heads of delegations also reaffirmed the principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of this republic and pointed out that mechanisms for lasting peace and harmony should be worked out in accordance with the principle of "By the Afghans, led by the Afghans and controlled by the Afghans."
"At the same time, all parties should maintain dialogue and communication with Afghanistan and encourage Afghanistan to establish a broad and inclusive political structure, conduct a sustainable and moderate domestic and foreign policy, and develop friendly relations with all countries, especially those in the region," the statement reads.
The event was attended by high-ranking representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
Eradicating terrorist groups
Afghan authorities must do more to root out all kinds of terrorist groups and ensure the country does not serve as a breeding ground for terrorism, according to a joint statement.
"The heads of delegations called on the relevant Afghan parties to take more tangible steps to eradicate all kinds of terrorist groups, suppress the movement of all terrorist organizations, eliminate their training camps both in Afghanistan and in the region, and ensure that Afghanistan will not serve as a breeding ground, refuge or source of terrorism," the statement reads. At the same time, the sides agreed to strengthen Afghanistan's capacity to deal with the challenges and threats posed by terrorist groups.
The heads of delegations also noted the inadmissibility of international terrorist organizations using the territory of Afghanistan to harbor, train, plan or finance any terrorist acts against countries in the region. "In this context, concern was expressed about the possibility of terrorists and other destructive elements entering the territories of countries under the guise of refugees from Afghanistan," the document reads.
In addition, the participants of the meeting expressed hope for the practical implementation of Afghanistan's commitments to combat drug trafficking, for the adoption of specific measures against the cultivation, production and illegal distribution of drugs.
At the end of the event, the secretaries of the Collective Security Councils reaffirmed their intention to establish cooperation in the operative exchange of information between states bordering Afghanistan and other countries concerned about the situation related to the activities of destructive groups.
Violence over faith and nationality
Afghan civilians must not suffer violence because of their religion and nationality, the statement said. It also calls for "respect for the rights and freedoms of all citizens of Afghanistan without exception."
"In this regard, the parties note that respect for and protection of the interests of other nationalities, the rights and freedoms of citizens, contributes to improving the internal situation in Afghanistan, as well as the security of countries in the region," the document says.
The heads of delegations, noting the concerns of countries in the region about the current situation in Afghanistan, express hope that the internal political and socio-economic situation will improve and emphasize the crucial importance of participation of all ethno-political and social groups of the country in forming the Afghan government.
Access to humanitarian aid
The people of Afghanistan should have unhindered access to humanitarian aid, the statement said.
"The heads of delegations welcome the offer of the Republic of Tajikistan to provide the country's logistical infrastructure, including six bridges on the Tajik-Afghan border, for the delivery of humanitarian goods by international organizations to the Afghan people," the document said. The meeting participants "also supported the use of a multifunctional international transport hub in the city of Termez of the Republic of Uzbekistan for the delivery of humanitarian aid." "In this context, the parties consider it important that states strive to ensure unimpeded access to humanitarian aid to the Afghan people," the statement stresses.
It notes "the key role of the UN and the international community in providing humanitarian aid and assistance to the Afghan people." They supported the work of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) as an important component of strengthening the UN's role in efforts to rapidly improve the humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and welcomed the extension of its mandate until March 17, 2023.
The heads of delegations separately "noted Tajikistan's initiative to create a "security belt" around Afghanistan, welcomed the "Tounsi Initiative" of Afghanistan's neighboring countries to support economic reconstruction, practical cooperation with Afghanistan, the activities of the Moscow format on Afghanistan, the extended "troika" (Russia, PRC, USA and Pakistan), the "SCO-Afghanistan" contact group and other mechanisms aimed at resolving the situation in Afghanistan and the post-conflict reconstruction of the country. The meeting reaffirmed the principles and results of the Delhi Declaration, which was adopted at the Third Regional Security Dialogue in New Delhi on November 10, 2021. They "called on all parties to support Afghanistan in economic, humanitarian support, trade and domestic capacity building."
The parties "stressed the relevance and timeliness of this format" and agreed to continue their work.
National security advisers and secretaries of security councils of India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the meeting in Dushanbe.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS