KABUL (SW) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday welcomed the outcome of the Tehran meeting between representatives of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and the Taliban.
The foreign ministry in Kabul said Afghanistan welcomes the outcome of the Tehran meeting.
“The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan appreciates and hails any genuine action that leads to the realization of the legitimate aspirations of the people and the Government of Afghanistan to end the war, ensure lasting peace and preserve the achievements of the last twenty years”, said the foreign ministry.
It further stressed Afghanistan appreciated the efforts of Iran to advance the peace process in Afghanistan and hoped that these efforts will lead to an end to the violence and the start of serious negotiations aimed at ensuring lasting and universal peace in the country.
In a joint declaration issued after two days of intra-Afghan talks facilitated by Iran’s Foreign Ministry, the two Afghan sides recognized the “dangers of continuing the war” and its impact on the “health of the nation,” Taliban spokesman Mohammad Naeem said in a series of tweets.
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The two opposing sides agreed that war is “not the solution to the Afghan problem” and all efforts must be coordinated for a “political and peaceful solution.”
They also agreed to continue discussions on issues that need “further consultation and clarity,” such as establishing a mechanism for transition from war to permanent peace, the Islamic system of governance and how to achieve it, in their next meeting.
The high-level peace talks between the warring sides follow months-old discussions in Qatar that have been stalled by a diplomatic stalemate and escalating violence. Even as officials faced each other across vast tables in Tehran and Iran’s top diplomat pledged to end the crisis, fighting surged in Afghanistan’s western Badghis province, reported the AP.
The Taliban political committee, led by chief negotiator Sher Mohammad Abbas Stanikzai, flew from Doha to Iran’s capital to meet Afghan government officials, including former Vice President Younus Qanooni and others from the High Council for National Reconciliation.
Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif greeted the delegates, urging them to “take difficult decisions today for the future of their country,” state-run media reported.
After the “failure of the U.S. in Afghanistan,” Zarif said, Iran stands “ready to assist the dialogue” and to “resolve the current conflicts in the country.”
“Returning to the inter-Afghan negotiation table and committing to political solutions is the best choice,” he added
ENDS
