KABUL (SW) – The Islamic Emirate has described the sixth meeting of the “Moscow Format” as a significant advancement for both Afghanistan and the region.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, told Salam Watandar that the meeting effectively communicated the stance of the Islamic Emirate, and there are hopes it will yield positive outcomes for Afghanistan in the future.
The sixth round of the Moscow Format meeting, attended by representatives from regional countries, including Russia and China, took place on Friday, October 4. The gathering was hosted by a delegation from the Islamic Emirate led by Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the de-facto government.
Mujahid expressed optimism about the discussions, saying, “Afghanistan seeks positive relations with all countries. It is the responsibility of various nations to fulfill their roles. Those present in the Moscow Format heard our message, and I hope this meeting will lead to good results and foster trust.”
The discussions at the sixth Moscow Format meeting included calls for the lifting of sanctions imposed on the Islamic Emirate, establishing relations with the de-facto government, and refraining from pressuring the Islamic Emirate.
Participants also raised concerns about the ongoing threats of terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed that these threats pose a danger to regional security.
In response, Amir Khan Muttaqi stated that the bases of groups like ISIS, which concern regional countries, exist outside Afghanistan, a matter that also worries the Islamic Emirate.
Experts have expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of such meetings, based on the outcomes of previous gatherings over the past three years.
Wali Forozan, an international relations expert, highlighted that during discussions at the Moscow Format meeting, especially in response to Lavrov’s statements, the issue of international competition regarding Afghanistan was prominent.
Lavrov’s statement was like they do not accept any kind of compromise in Afghanistan in which America plays a role, for example inclusive government; they do not want America’s role in Afghanistan at all,” he said.
Similarly, political analyst Mohammad Zalmay Afghanyar Popal expressed hope that meetings like the Moscow Format would improve interactions between countries and Afghanistan. “I hope that both regional and trans-regional countries will engage with Afghanistan based on a stable economic and political foundation, maintaining independence in both areas.”
Over the past three years, numerous meetings regarding Afghanistan have taken place regionally and globally; however, these discussions have failed to effect significant change in the situation within the country.
