The Afghan Taliban have decided to follow India’s stance by refusing to attend a regional meeting scheduled next week in Iran. Despite having received an official invitation, the Taliban government chose not to participate.
Deputy Spokesperson of the Taliban Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Zia Ahmad, confirmed the decision, stating that it was made based on Kabul’s assessment. He added that Afghanistan already maintains active relations with regional countries under the existing framework of cooperation and has made significant progress in its regional engagements.
The meeting, hosted by Iran on December 16 and 17, will focus on developments related to Afghanistan, with one of its key objectives being the reduction of tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-led Afghan authorities.
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Special representatives on Afghan affairs from Pakistan, Iran, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan are expected to attend the meeting.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said on Thursday that Tehran prioritizes security and stability in neighboring countries. He emphasized that Iran will make every effort to reduce regional tensions and strengthen mutual understanding.
Regarding the strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban authorities, he expressed hope that the meeting would help enhance cooperation and ease tensions.
The regional meeting comes at a time of heightened strain between Pakistan and the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
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