Russian Foreign Minister Russian Sergei Lavrov has said that the recognition of the current Afghan government is possible by establishing an inclusive government and respecting the rights of women and girls.
Speaking at the sixth meeting of the CA5+Russia format on Friday, Lavrov said that it is necessary to maintain diplomatic relations between Afghanistan’s neighboring countries and the current Afghan government.
“This will of course be an important step towards official recognition, not only de-facto recognition of the Taliban leadership but de jure recognition of the new Afghan government. It is also fundamentally important to address an issue of voting rights, educational rights for women and girls in order for these issues (of inclusiveness) to be resolved more quickly,” Lavrov noted.
On April 14, Samarkand, Uzbekistan, hosted the sixth meeting in the CA5+Russia format.
It was attended by Foreign Minister of Russia Sergey Lavrov, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Kazakhstan Murat Nurtleu, Foreign Minister of Kyrgyzstan Jeenbek Kulubaev, Foreign Minister of Tajikistan Sirojiddin Muhriddin, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov and Acting Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Bakhtiyor Saidov.
“Almost all of us are unanimous in the need to maintain and develop contacts with the Taliban government, which, despite the weakening of its position due to the growing terrorist threat, still retains power, retains control of the country,” Lavrov said at the meeting.
“The Islamic Emirate should accept the advice of foreign ministers of neighboring countries and respect human and women’s rights,” said Abdul Malik Afghan, a political analyst.
The Russian foreign minister also expressed his concerns over the spread of “terrorist groups” and threats from Afghanistan.
“Terrorists, not only Daesh but also other organizations are rising. There are reasons that our Western friends are involved in encouraging terrorist acts,” Lavrov noted.
According to the Islamic Emirate’s spokesperson, Zabihullah Mujahid, it is beneficial for everyone involved to maintain relations within the context of the regional and neighboring countries’ economic and political cooperation.
The Islamic Emirate officials have often emphasized the importance of fighting against terrorism and preventing Afghanistan’s territory from being used against other countries.
“The countries were assured that Afghanistan’s soil is secure and stable and collaboration should take place with this stability and security. The policy of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was reiterated that no one will be harmed from Afghanistan’s soil,” Mujahid added.
Samarkand hosted various events, including a quadrilateral meeting, the fourth meeting of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighbors, and the Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting on April 13 and 14.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the participants also discussed regional and global issues.