ISLAMABAD: The countries participating in the Troika Plus meeting here Thursday called on the Taliban to take steps for an inclusive and representative government in Afghanistan besides agreeing to continue practical engagement with them to help achieve a stable and prosperous Afghanistan.
Hosted by Islamabad, the meeting of the extended Troika comprised Pakistan, China, Russia and the United States held to discuss the latest situation in Afghanistan.
The extended Troika met with senior Taliban representatives on the sidelines of the meeting, a joint statement said issued following the meeting.
The participants expressed deep concern regarding the severe humanitarian and economic situation in Afghanistan and reiterated unwavering support for the people of Afghanistan.
They recalled the relevant Afghan – related UNSC Resolutions, including respect for the sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity of Afghanistan that was free of terrorism and drug related crime, and that contributes to regional stability and connectivity.
The Troika Plus “welcomed the Taliban’s continued commitment to allow for the safe passage of all who wish to travel to and from Afghanistan and encouraged rapid progress, with the onset of winter, on arrangements to establish airports countrywide that can accept commercial air traffic, which are essential to enable the uninterrupted flow of humanitarian assistance.”
The meeting also called on the Taliban to work with fellow Afghans to take steps to form an inclusive and representative government that respects the rights of all Afghans and provides for the equal rights of women and girls to participate in all aspects of Afghan society.
The participants also agreed to continue practical engagement with the Taliban to encourage the implementation of moderate and prudent policies that could help achieve a stable and prosperous Afghanistan as soon as possible.
