The 7th Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan was held in Russia. All participants, including Pakistan, China, Russia and Iran, emphasised the need for measures to prevent the use of Afghan territory against any country.
According to details surfaced on Tuesday, the special representatives from Pakistan, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Afghanistan took part in the meeting. A representative of Belarus attended as a guest. The Russian Foreign Ministry issued a statement after the meeting.
The statement said that terrorism is a serious threat not only to Afghanistan but also to regional and global peace. It was declared essential to strengthen regional frameworks for counter-terrorism. Participants called for the prevention of any use of Afghan territory that could threaten neighbouring countries or international peace. Afghanistan was urged to take strong steps to eliminate terrorism.
The establishment of external military structures or installations in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries was declared unacceptable. It was said that such foreign installations would undermine peace and stability in the region.
Participants reaffirmed their commitment to a free, united and peaceful Afghanistan, and to the provision of humanitarian aid to the Afghan people. It was made clear that political objectives should not influence the delivery of humanitarian assistance.
Emphasis was placed on the promotion of trade, economic ties and cooperation in investment across the region. Agreement was reached to strengthen cooperation in the health sector, agriculture, poverty reduction and disaster prevention.
It was demanded that those responsible for the current situation in Afghanistan fulfil their promises to restore the Afghan economy and support future development.
