Tehran Summit focused on looking for ways to strengthen Afghanistan’s future
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Roshan Amiri
- . October 27, 2021
- . Update: October 28, 2021 7:16 pm
Iran–Senior members of the cabinet from Afghanistan and neighboring states gathered in Iran’s capital, Tehran for a one-day conference to discuss the situation in the Taliban-ruled country.
The foreign ministers from Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan were present in Tehran Summit. Leaders and key members from China and Russia also joined the meeting through video link.
Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber inaugurated the meeting and mentioned that the defeat of American policies in Afghanistan does not mean that the US is abandoning its destructive policies across the region. He was of the opinion that US’s presence in region is still very strong and holds a position of influence in the state.
It should be noted that this meet on future steps to fight terrorism was hosted just one day after Iran’s online petrol distribution software was hacked in a massive cyberattack that affected petrol stations across the country.
Read | As cyber attack hits Iran, gas stations became non-operative
Antonio Guterres, who is the United Nations chief, mentioned that Afghanistan is facing an epic humanitarian crisis, which demands immediate action. He said the UN is engaging the Taliban, which has so far provided access, to deliver humanitarian relief to people.
Guterres also added that he is deeply disturbed by violations of human rights and attacks in the country since the Taliban takeover, and called for efforts to combat terrorism and drug trafficking. The conference also saw an emphasis on the need to form an inclusive government in Afghanistan. The participants further backed humanitarian relief for the population, as much as 90 percent of who could fall below the poverty line by next year if the current situation continues.
More support by international organisations, including the UN and WHO was appreciated by the participants on combating the COVID-19 and other health and humanitarian issues in Afghanistan.
