The capital of Tajikistan, Dushanbe, served as the venue for the sixth meeting of Special Representatives from Central Asian countries and the European Union, dedicated to discussing Afghanistan on Wednesday.
In a statement, Tajikistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs highlighted that the talks centered on Afghanistan’s evolving political, economic, and security landscape. Additionally, participants delved into critical human rights matters, such as the education of women and girls, alongside addressing the security challenges arising from Afghanistan’s domain.
The statement Reads: “The participants discussed the human rights situation, particularly the challenges facing women and girls in Afghanistan, as well as security threats and challenges.
Meanwhile, Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, reassured regional countries that Afghanistan is in a state of peace and stability, with ongoing economic development.
“The Islamic Emirate has good relations with the regional countries and seeks positive engagement with all nations. Countries holding meetings about Afghanistan should be assured that peace and stability are in place, and economic progress is continuing. To achieve these goals, cooperation from regional countries is essential because Afghanistan, being a war-torn country, requires regional support for economic development,” he said.
Najib al-Rahman Shamal, a political analyst, emphasized the importance of regional and EU cooperation in helping Afghanistan overcome its political and economic challenges.
“To resolve Afghanistan’s issues, greater understanding and cooperation with Central Asian countries and engagement with the EU are necessary. I hope these countries will make joint decisions to continue humanitarian aid and take steps in political issues and diplomatic cooperation, as the Afghan people are currently in dire need of foreign support.”
Economic experts also stress the key role of Central Asian countries and the European Union in financing economic projects and infrastructure development.
Taj Mohammad Talash, an economic expert, says that the Islamic Emirate must make the most of Central Asian countries’ willingness to cooperate. “Central Asian countries play an important role in Afghanistan’s economic growth, especially in implementing economic projects, financial transfers, energy, electricity, and internet distribution, mining, and road transit. However, unfortunately, promises are made but not executed.”
Despite the extensive cooperation and relations some Central Asian countries have developed with the Islamic Emirate, these countries and the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have repeatedly expressed concerns over the security threats emerging from Afghanistan’s territory over the past three years.
