Regional bloc opposes US return to Kabul | The Express Tribune

ISLAMABAD:

A group of 10 powerful and influential countries that included China, Russia, Iran, India and Pakistan on Tuesday opposed any attempts by the United States to regain foothold in Afghanistan by retaking control of the strategically important Bagram Airbase.

Without explicitly naming the US, a joint statement issued after the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan read: “They called unacceptable the attempts by countries to deploy their military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighbouring states, since this does not serve the interests of regional peace and stability.”

The statement came against the backdrop of recent announcement by President Donald Trump in which he sought to retake control of the biggest air facility in Afghanistan. The Taliban government already made it clear that it would not let any foreign power to set foot on its soil.

The issue was on the agenda during the Moscow meeting which was attended by special representatives and senior officials of Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

For the first time the Afghan delegation headed by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mottaqi participated in the deliberations as a member. A delegation from Belarus also attended the meeting as guests.

Pakistan was represented by Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq, who during a closed door meeting raised the issue of terrorist hideouts in Afghanistan. In a statement posted on X, Ambassador Sadiq said at the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, Pakistan reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to a peaceful, stable, and secure Afghanistan.

“I spoke about the urgent need for collective regional efforts to effectively counter terrorism and dismantle all terrorist groups operating from Afghan soil,” he said.

“I also highlighted the importance of strengthening regional cooperation in political and economic fields, along with enhanced counter-terrorism and anti-drug collaboration. Continued dialogue, cooperation, and coordinated actions remain essential to address these challenges and support lasting peace in the region.”

Meanwhile, participants in their joint statement reaffirmed their unwavering support for the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent, united and peaceful state. They stressed the need for development of economic and trade exchanges, investment cooperation of Afghanistan with regional countries and the international community.

They expressed their interest in developing regional economic projects with Afghan participation and promoting steady progress in such fields as healthcare, poverty alleviation, agriculture and disaster prevention, so as to help Afghanistan realise independent and sustainable development at an early date.

They supported the active integration of Afghanistan into the system of regional connectivity.

The parties reiterated their commitment to continue humanitarian support to the Afghan people, and called on the international community to intensify provision of emergency humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, while simultaneously reaffirming opposition to the attempts of politicising it.

The parties called for strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels.

They emphasised that Afghanistan should be supported to undertake comprehensive measures aimed at the elimination of terrorism and its eradication within a short timeframe so that Afghan soil is not used as a threat to the security of the neighbouring countries and beyond.

The parties underscored that terrorism constitutes a serious threat to the security of Afghanistan, the region and the wider world. The parties underlined the significant role of regional frameworks.

The parties urged the countries mainly responsible for the current predicament in Afghanistan to earnestly fulfil commitments on the economic recovery and future development of Afghanistan.

On the sidelines of the session, Pakistan’s special representative for Afghanistan held a constructive and in-depth meeting with Foreign Minister Muttaqi. The 90-minute engagement focused on advancing bilateral cooperation in key areas, including economic cooperation, trade, transit, and regional security.

Both sides reaffirmed the importance of enhanced regional connectivity and agreed to explore practical measures to facilitate trade and transit, particularly through streamlined customs procedures and improved infrastructure links.

Emphasis was placed on unlocking the potential of regional trade corridors to benefit the broader region’s economic stability and development. They also exchanged views on the current security situation, particularly the presence of terrorist groups, and its implications for cross-border commerce and regional cooperation.

The two sides underscored the need for sustained dialogue and collaboration to address shared security concerns, ensure the safety of transport routes, and combat illicit activities.