May 06, 2021
Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon met with US peace envoy for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad on Tuesday in Dushanbe and discussed the Afghan peace process, the Tajik president’s official website said.
In the meeting, the latest developments in Afghanistan, the process of reestablishing peace and stability in Afghanistan, as well as a number of regional and international issues of mutual interest were discussed.
Rahmon assured that the expansion of mutual cooperation between Tajikistan and Afghanistan is his top priority and focus while stating that “Tajikistan supports the Afghan government’s aspirations to establish security, peace and stability in the country. Dushanbe welcomes the inter-Afghan negotiations that are taking place to this end.”
While discussing the issues of providing regional security, the parties emphasized on the importance of strengthening and increasing cooperation in addressing modern challenges and threats, including terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking and organized transnational crime.
Rahmon also guaranteed that his country will continue making efforts to assist in solving the problems faced by Afghanistan and make contributions to its economic reconstruction.
Khalilzad has previously expressed that the Taliban design to seize control of Afghanistan with a military takeover would not be tolerated by international community.
According to a statement released by the US embassy, Khalilzad “emphasized that there was strong consensus within both the regional and international community against any effort by the Taliban to pursue a military takeover. Only a negotiated settlement can end over 40 years of war in Afghanistan and Ambassador Khalilzad pledged common cause with Afghan leaders to accelerate efforts to reach an inclusive settlement and permanent and comprehensive ceasefire.”
After the troops’ withdrawal, it would be a great opportunity for the six countries neighboring Afghanistan including China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan to rise to the occasion and work for the reconstruction of Afghanistan as a stable Afghanistan is one of their top priorities right now. Increased trade, connectivity, and integration on the economic front can help in developing not only Afghanistan but also the whole region.
Another important issue Afghanistan would face after the troops’ withdrawal is going to be the clash between Afghan government and the Taliban for decision making. In meetings with Afghan political leaders in Kabul, Khalilzad called for a political consensus to be formed among Afghan political leaders to help pave the way for successful peace negotiations with the Taliban.
Meanwhile, President Ashraf Ghani said that with the completion of the withdrawal of foreign forces, all decisions regarding the country will be taken by the Afghan people and the government. He also called on the Taliban to surrender to peace and asserted that the Afghan government is ready for all scenarios if triggered.
© Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) and Afghan Studies Center (ASC), Islamabad.
