MOSCOW: Regional countries are set to meet in Kazan City, Russia, on September 29 for the fifth Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan, where they will discuss the situation in the Taliban-ruled country. Representatives from 10 countries, including Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asian states, will attend the meeting. However, the United States has not been invited.
The US State Department confirmed it would not send a representative, as it is not a member of the Moscow format. However, the meeting will include a delegation from the Taliban, including their foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi.
Moscow-Format Established to Focus on Afghanistan
The Moscow format was initiated by Russia in 2017 to address Afghanistan’s situation, and while the Taliban is optimistic about the meeting, Moscow has made it clear that recognizing the Taliban will not be on the agenda.
Political analyst Wais Naseri suggested that regional countries are primarily concerned about Afghanistan’s security, political, and economic issues. While these discussions may not result in immediate changes, they reflect the ongoing global concern for Afghanistan’s future.
The international community has consistently called for the formation of an inclusive government in Afghanistan and the removal of restrictions on women and girls. However, the Taliban have yet to reverse these bans or include non-Taliban politicians in their government.
Parasto Yari, a former advisor for the state ministry for peace and women, emphasized the need for practical action to improve the situation for Afghan women and girls. She urged stakeholders to move beyond discussions and take concrete steps to address the ongoing challenges faced by Afghan women.
The Moscow-format meeting occurs as the Taliban’s relations with regional countries face difficulties. Pakistan has expressed concerns about the presence of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) in Afghanistan, while other nations, including Central Asian states, Russia, and Iran, have criticized the Taliban for the increased drug trafficking and terrorist activities within Afghanistan. The presence of insurgent groups in Afghanistan continues to raise concerns for regional security.
In this context, the Moscow-format meeting represents another attempt by regional actors to assess the situation in Afghanistan and coordinate their responses to the evolving challenges in the country.
