The fifth multilateral meeting of the secretaries of the Security Councils on Afghanistan took place in Moscow, the press service of the Russian Security Council says.
It was attended by high representatives in charge of security issues from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.
“A number of additional practical measures were proposed at the meeting with the goal of increasing joint anti-terrorist actions, as well as suppressing terrorist financing channels, intensifying cooperation in the fight against transnational organized crime, illicit trafficking in weapons and drugs, and preventing illegal migration,” the press release says.
The participants of the meeting also stressed the importance of the Taliban fulfilling their international obligations to counter terrorism and extremism, drug trafficking, the formation of an ethno-politically balanced government and respect for human rights.
The importance of joining efforts in tackling complex security problems, continuing constructive dialogue and searching for effective solutions adequate to the challenges and threats emanating from the territory of Afghanistan was emphasized.
The parties agreed to continue the practice of holding multilateral consultations of the security council secretaries on the Afghan issue on an annual basis.
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UPDATE:
The participants of the consultation later met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Putin drew the attention of the secretaries of the security councils of regional countries to the activation of international terrorist organizations, including Al-Qaeda, which is increasing its potential.
He went on mentioning the harsh humanitarian situation in the country.
“Millions of people – four million, according to our data, approximately – in Afghanistan need urgent humanitarian assistance. Drug trafficking is growing and, unfortunately, acreage is growing: in my opinion, 80 % of the opiates on the world market are of Afghan origin,” he said.
According to Putin, Russia is doing “everything to ensure that solutions are found.” Moscow has established contacts with the Afghan leadership in Kabul. There are plans to implement major economic projects that could stabilize the situation in the Afghan economy.
///nCa, 8 February 2023 (photo credit – Security Council of Russian Federation, Kremlin)