In this photo released by the Russian Foreign Ministry Press Service, top diplomats from Russia, China, Iran and Pakistan attend a conference on regional security with the situation in Afghanistan in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, April 13, 2023. Image credit VOA.
by Zafar Iqbal Yousafzai 24 April 2023
At the Fourth Ministerial Conference of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries on April 13, representatives from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan gathered to discuss the issue of narcotics production and the activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. The meeting aimed to find a regional approach to the situation in Afghanistan, and it was a follow-up to the first meeting of Foreign Ministers of neighboring countries hosted by Pakistan in September 2021.
The situation in Afghanistan has been a concern for the neighboring countries for a long time. The instability in Afghanistan has led to increased drug trafficking, which has had a direct impact on the region. Afghanistan is the world’s largest producer of opium, and it has been estimated that around 90% of the world’s opium comes from Afghanistan. The production of opium not only contributes to drug trafficking but also funds terrorist activities in the region.
The neighboring countries of Afghanistan have been concerned about the resurgence of the Taliban and the possibility of the country becoming a safe haven for terrorists once again. Therefore, the focus of the Fourth Ministerial Conference was to discuss the issue of narcotics production and the activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan. The representatives of the neighboring countries discussed how to tackle these issues and prevent Afghanistan from becoming a breeding ground for terrorism.
The representatives at the conference stressed the importance of the IAG’s cooperation in ensuring a secure and stable Afghanistan. The IAG must understand that a secure and stable Afghanistan is advantageous to the entire region. The neighboring countries of Afghanistan have a shared interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and it is the responsibility of the IAG to cooperate with them in achieving this goal.
The neighboring countries of Afghanistan have been calling on the IAG to follow certain principles to ensure a secure and stable Afghanistan. These principles include the IAG’s commitment to not use Afghan soil against any country, the establishment of an inclusive political structure, the adoption of moderate domestic and foreign policies, and safeguarding the basic rights of all Afghans, including ethnic groups, women, and children. The representatives at the conference emphasized that the success of any regional or international effort to mitigate the current situation in Afghanistan is subject to the IAG’s seriousness towards these principles.
The Afghan authorities were also urged to take visible steps to ensure that Afghanistan would never again serve as a breeding ground, safe haven, or source of proliferation for terrorism. The neighboring countries of Afghanistan emphasized that terrorism is a common enemy, and peace and stability are a collective responsibility. Any action by the IAG to rein in anti-Pakistan elements and not to let Afghan soil be used against Pakistan would strengthen brotherly relations between the two countries.
Pakistan, as the host of the first meeting of Foreign Ministers of neighboring countries, has been actively working to address the shared concerns and interests of regional countries. Pakistan’s initiative for a regional approach to the situation in Afghanistan is a step in the right direction. Pakistan has emphasized that it will continue to support all efforts to advance the shared objective of a peaceful, stable, sovereign, prosperous, and connected Afghanistan.
The Fourth Ministerial Conference of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries, held in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, is a significant step towards regional cooperation for a secure and stable Afghanistan. The neighboring countries of Afghanistan have a shared interest in ensuring peace and stability in the region, and it is the responsibility of the IAG to cooperate with them in achieving this goal. A secure and stable Afghanistan is advantageous to the entire region, and it is important for the IAG to realize this and take visible steps towards achieving this goal.
In conclusion, the Fourth Ministerial Conference of Afghanistan’s Neighboring Countries was an important forum for regional dialogue and cooperation on a range of critical issues. The neighboring countries have a shared interest in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region, and there is a growing recognition that greater cooperation and integration is necessary to achieve these goals.
It is important for the IAG to understand that a secure and stable Afghanistan is not only in the interest of the country itself, but also of the entire region. The neighboring countries have a vital role to play in supporting Afghanistan’s efforts to establish a stable and inclusive government, combat terrorism and narcotics production, and promote economic development and regional connectivity.
It is hoped that the outcomes of the Fourth Ministerial Conference will help to advance these important goals and promote greater cooperation and dialogue among the neighboring countries. While there are certainly challenges and obstacles to be overcome, there is a growing recognition that regional cooperation and integration is necessary to address the critical issues facing the region, and to build a more peaceful, stable, and prosperous future for all.