Iranian Envoy Calls For Fair Governance & Good Relations With Neighbours At Kabul Summit

At the "Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative," Muttaqi highlighted the Taliban's desire for regional stability and collaboration.

He declared, "The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan is poised to engage with regional nations, founded on shared interests and mutual respect."

Muttaqi pointed out that in under two and a half years, the Taliban government's policy has showcased Afghanistan's focus on a mutually beneficial approach within the region.

Furthermore, he suggested that regional cooperation should concentrate on establishing avenues for interaction and collective efforts based on shared interests. This approach aims to develop a regional narrative facilitating positive and constructive engagement with the Taliban, addressing both current and future regional threats.

The meeting at the Taliban-controlled Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul started on Monday afternoon, following a delay. Initially set for early afternoon, it commenced around 4:30 PM Kabul time.

The Taliban-run National Radio and Television attributed the postponement to adverse weather conditions.

Marking a first, the Taliban hosted this regional gathering in Kabul, welcoming ambassadors and special envoys from neighbouring and regional countries.

Reports indicate participation from diplomats and special representatives of adjacent and regional nations. This meeting precedes the upcoming UN Secretary-General-hosted second conference on Afghanistan in Doha, set for February.

He called on countries to initiate dialogue and foster "positive and constructive relations" with the Taliban.

Simultaneously, he issued a stern warning, that any form of propaganda or military action against the Taliban would be firmly suppressed. He asserted that the reinstatement of the Taliban regime represented the desires of the Afghan populace, who actively supported the Taliban's jihad against Western forces.

Western and regional authorities have maintained that establishing official relations with the Taliban is contingent upon their adherence to human rights and disassociation from terrorist organisations.

Russia and the United States, despite their ongoing dispute over Ukraine, have jointly urged the Taliban to enter into talks with their political adversaries and strive towards forming an inclusive government.

The Russian Foreign Minister recently called on the Taliban to initiate dialogue with the National Resistance Front (NRF), an anti-Taliban armed group.

The Taliban, in turn, have perceived these requests from Russia and Western nations as undue meddling in their internal affairs and have consequently rejected them. Nevertheless, the Taliban have underlined their commitment to engaging in global dialogues to resolve existing issues in Afghanistan.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony for religious students at a jihadi seminary in Khost, Abdul Kabir emphasised that the Taliban remain open to dialogue for addressing the concerns of the international community and also highlighted that any external pressure on the group would be ineffective.

The Governor of South Khorasan too has expressed a desire to increase Iran's exports to Afghanistan, proposing to make the Mahirud border crossing operational around the clock.

The Mahirud border crossing, also known as the Mil 78 Point, is a major gateway between Iran and Afghanistan.

According to a report by IRNA on Sunday, Ariafar, speaking at an event in South Khorasan, described Afghanistan as a country with significant potential for Iranian services.

Officials of the Islamic Republic have indicated that construction materials and food products continue to be exported from Iran to Afghanistan.

Based on figures provided by Iranian authorities, the country has exported 67,000 tonnes of agricultural products to Afghanistan this year alone.

He also announced the expansion of the NRF’s operations and activities in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, a commemoration was held in London to mark the first anniversary of the death of Khair Mohammad Khairkhah Andrabi, a commander of the National Resistance Front in Afghanistan. Andrabi, along with some of his forces, lost their lives in December 2022 during a battle with the Taliban in Andrab.

Participating in the online event on Sunday, Massoud urged for collective and united efforts of anti-Taliban fronts.

He stressed on the importance of unity to overcome "the evil of the Taliban and the oppression and tyranny of this group”.

He referred to the deplorable situation of women under the Taliban regime and said that he has raised the issue of gender apartheid with international legal and judicial authorities.

Massoud also mentioned the detention of women by the Taliban and called it unprecedented in the history of Afghanistan.

The NRF leader further stated that the international community, by refusing to recognise the Taliban, anticipates that the Afghan people will resist the Taliban through various means.

He characterised the Taliban as an "extremist, terrorist, and tyrannical" group. He reiterated his call for the Taliban to accept a challenge through the elections, stating, "If the Taliban believe their will aligns with the will of the people, they should trust in the people's vote."

He also mentioned the difference of views among the opposition groups and fronts against the Taliban and said that the difference of views should not cause strategic differences and must not create rifts among the people.

According to him, the NRF's activities against the Taliban are growing, and he urged other anti-Taliban groups to broaden their efforts too.

During this meeting, two other prominent figures also spoke. Yunus Qanooni, the former vice-president, expressed that the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan is not the solution; instead, there should be a fundamental national change in the country's situation.

He described Afghanistan as a haven for terrorist groups.

Additionally, Atta Mohammad Noor, a member of the National Resistance Council for the Salvation of Afghanistan, called for the inclusion of political factions and women's representatives in the United Nations meeting in Doha.

The meeting was scheduled to begin before noon on Monday, however, according to the RTA, it was delayed due to bad weather.

This is the first time that the Taliban is hosting a regional meeting in Kabul with the presence of ambassadors and special representatives of neighbouring countries and the region.

According to reports, ambassadors and special representatives from four regional countries will participate in this meeting.

This meeting will be held while the Secretary General of the United Nations is scheduled to host the second meeting on Afghanistan in Doha on 18 and 19 of February.