Countries taking part in a meeting about Afghanistan in Kazan urged the Taliban regime to focus on improving the daily lives of ordinary Afghans. The associated declaration, which reflects the official stance of the participants, was made public on the website of the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The statement highlights the hope that the Afghan authorities will create the conditions needed to raise living standards, reduce forced migration, and prevent new waves of refugees from leaving the country. It also acknowledges broader concerns about the pace of political reform and the inclusion of diverse groups within Afghan governance.
The declaration notes encouraging signals about a reduction in poppy cultivation in Afghanistan, attributed to the measures implemented by the present Afghan authorities. The participants stress that progress in governance and development remains essential to stabilizing the region and supporting refugees who may return home from neighboring countries as conditions improve.
Participants expressed disappointment that progress toward a truly inclusive Afghan government has not met expectations. The declaration emphasizes the importance of forming a government that represents all ethnopolitical communities within Afghanistan, ensuring that policies reflect a broad spectrum of Afghan society and do not marginalize any group.
Representatives and senior officials from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan took part in the Kazan gathering. Their presence underscores the regional stake in Afghanistan’s stability and the intertwined interests of neighboring states in supporting a peaceful, sustainable settlement.
On September 29, a Taliban delegation traveled to Kazan to participate in what was described as part of the Moscow format negotiations on Afghanistan. This forum has served as a platform for dialogue involving Russian authorities, Afghan representatives, and other international participants, aiming to facilitate negotiations and dialogue that can contribute to a durable political settlement.
The Moscow format first convened in April 2017, bringing together officials from the Russian Federation, Afghanistan, and deputy foreign ministers and special representatives from several participating countries. The core idea behind this format is to advance national reconciliation and peace-building efforts in Afghanistan by providing a structured channel for discussion and coordination among regional and international actors.
Over time, the focus of these discussions has included security arrangements, political inclusion, governance reforms, and humanitarian concerns. The aim remains to create conditions that enable Afghanistan to address internal challenges, reduce violence, and foster an environment in which civil institutions can function effectively for the benefit of all citizens. The format continues to be used as a means to support a peaceful transition and to encourage policies that promote stability in the region. The comments from the participating states reflect a shared interest in a stable Afghanistan that can contribute positively to regional security and development, while also respecting the sovereignty and national priorities of the Afghan people.
In recent public statements, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicated that recognition and engagement with Afghanistan, including discussions with the Taliban leadership, are part of a broader effort to manage regional security dynamics. This approach seeks to balance humanitarian needs, political realities, and the pursuit of a sustainable peace process. The participants reiterate their commitment to constructive dialogue and practical steps that can support Afghanistan’s path toward normalization and gradual integration into regional economic and political frameworks.
Ultimately, the Kazan meeting reflects a long-running attempt by regional and international actors to coordinate on Afghanistan’s future. While views differ among participants on the best path forward, the discussions underscore a shared priority: to see improved living conditions for Afghans, stronger inclusive governance, and a peaceful, prosperous future for the country and its people. The discussions also acknowledge the sensitive nature of the ongoing process and the need for ongoing engagement to address evolving circumstances and humanitarian needs across Afghanistan and its neighbors.
Related posts:
The goalscorers of Lionel Scaloni’s cycle in the Argentina national team Afghanistan: Three Years After Kabul’s Fall and Taliban Rule Iran Supports Afghan Women’s Higher Education Amid Taliban Restrictions Germany Responds to Cologne Speech by Former Taliban Health Official Russia, Kabul, and the Moscow Format: A Pragmatic Engagement Strategy Resilience, Voice, and Action: Afghan Women in Exile and the Fight for Fundamental Rights Afghanistan, Regional Security, and Russia’s Stance: A Contemporary Overview Taliban Destroys Drug-Smuggling Catapults on Afghanistan Borders, Russian Report Claims Taliban Bans Political Parties and Signals Shifts in Afghanistan’s Governance Unstable Security Climate in Afghanistan Deepens with High‑Profile Killing Rewritten Article on Regional Diplomacy and Afghan Engagement Art Exhibition Mirrors Afghan Women’s Plight Under Taliban Rule