The fourth multilateral meeting on Afghanistan concluded with a joint statement that stated the future of Afghanistan must be determined by its people, with the cooperation of regional and international partners. The diplomats called for the creation of an inclusive government that represents all political and ethnic groups in Afghanistan.
The one-day meeting was held in Moscow on Wednesday, November 16 and included special envoys from 10 countries, including Russia, China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
In his opening remarks, Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special representative for Afghanistan, said that no Taliban officials had been invited to this meeting because they have failed in forming an inclusive government in Afghanistan.
The joint statement also asked for the release of Afghanistan’s frozen funds and states that the United Nations should work with the de facto government of the Taliban.
While the Moscow conference pressed for the formation of an inclusive government, no country has recognized the Taliban government since the group took over Afghanistan 15 months ago. Notably, even countries considered close to the Taliban have still found it unpalatable to grant them formal recognition. They have also pushed the Taliban to modify their behavior.
While diplomats met in Moscow, women protesters from Afghanistan have written 100 letters to the Security Council of the United Nations, demanding that no member states recognize the Taliban government, which the women consider both misogynistic and illegitimate. Instead, these women are urging the Security Council to immediately address women’s needs in Afghanistan.
