KABUL (SW) – The global community continues to stress the importance of the Islamic Emirate’s participation in the upcoming third Doha meeting.
The meeting is scheduled to be held on the June 30 and July 1, 2024, in Doha, Qatar.
Following continued international efforts to ensure the Islamic Emirate’s attendance at the third Doha meeting, Thomas Nicholson, the European Union’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, met with the acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi late on Saturday. During this meeting, Nicholson emphasized the necessity of the de-facto government’s participation and the importance of the issues on the agenda.
Zia Ahmad Takal, Deputy Spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, reported that in this meeting, Amir Khan Muttaqi stressed the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to positive and balanced engagement with the world, stating their presence at the meeting must be significant.
“Mr. Nicholson stressed the importance of the participation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan representatives at the Doha 3rd meeting, noting that critical issues would be discussed. Mr. Muttaqi also reiterated that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks balanced and positive interaction with all countries and wants a meaningful presence at this meeting,” Takal stated.
Muttaqi however did not confirm whether the Islamic Emirate will attend the meeting, noting that they are currently reviewing the format of the third Doha meeting.
Political analysts believe that the persistent international emphasis on the Islamic Emirate’s participation in the Doha meeting reflects a recognition of the Emirate as a significant decision-maker and influential entity in Afghanistan.
Mahmoud Ezterabi, a political analyst, stated that the Islamic Emirate has no choice but to engage and coordinate with the world to overcome the current impasses hindering progress in Afghanistan.
“The Islamic Emirate has realized it must engage with the world to remove the obstacles before it. This is a mutual need for both the Islamic Emirate and Western countries. The delays and conditions are part of meeting their respective demands,” he said.
Shafiqullah Sadat, a university professor and political analyst, also noted that the ongoing participation of the Islamic Emirate in global meetings would eventually lead to resolving Afghanistan’s current challenges.
“The world now understands there is no alternative to the Islamic Emirate, viewing it as a reality in Afghanistan. This is why they see its participation in these meetings as essential. However, neither side has yet fully agreed to the other’s conditions, which explains the Islamic Emirate’s hesitance,” Sadat explained.
Previously, the United Nations Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs and Peacebuilding Rosemary DiCarlo invited the Islamic Emirate to participate in this meeting during a visit with Islamic Emirate officials.
Stephan Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, mentioned in an earlier meeting with Islamic Emirate officials that the purpose of the third Doha meeting is to enhance international engagement with Afghanistan in a more coordinated and structured manner.
