TEHRAN, Iran — In a significant diplomatic gathering that notably excluded its central subject, Afghanistan’s neighboring nations convened in Tehran to strengthen regional cooperation addressing the multifaceted challenges facing the war-torn country. The meeting, orchestrated by Iran and attended by China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Russia, produced a consensus on enhancing coordination across political, economic, and security domains while advocating for the removal of international sanctions against Afghanistan.
The Taliban-led government, though invited, opted against participation, offering limited explanation through its foreign ministry. Officials indicated that Kabul prefers to maintain its existing regional engagement channels through established organizations, claiming substantial progress through these formats.
Despite Afghanistan’s conspicuous absence, participating nations emphasized the critical importance of sustaining economic and trade relationships with Kabul to alleviate deteriorating living conditions. The collective statement urged Afghanistan’s integration into regional political and economic frameworks while addressing shared security concerns including terrorism, narcotics trafficking, and human smuggling. Participants unanimously opposed any foreign military presence in Afghan territory.
The conference particularly highlighted the international community’s responsibility to lift crippling sanctions and release frozen Afghan assets, with additional calls for humanitarian organizations to support the dignified repatriation of refugees from neighboring countries. Attention also turned to reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, where recent border clashes have resulted in numerous casualties among civilians, soldiers, and suspected militants.
While the Taliban government has developed diplomatic relationships since retaking power in August 2021 and now generates billions in annual tax revenues, Afghanistan’s economy remains in critical condition. Millions depend on international aid for survival, with natural disasters and refugee flows exacerbating humanitarian needs. The country’s economic struggles are compounded by the international community’s refusal to formally recognize the Taliban regime following the chaotic withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.
Pakistani representatives expressed disappointment with Kabul’s absence, with former special representative Asif Durrani characterizing the decision as demonstrating ‘lack of political maturity’ and reinforcing concerns about the Taliban’s unwillingness to negotiate regional solutions. Participants agreed to convene foreign ministers in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, and hold special envoys’ talks in Islamabad this March, continuing efforts to engage Afghanistan despite its current reluctance.