Russia convenes Central Asian summit urging broader recognition of Taliban government

On Monday Russia organized the latest “Moscow format” gathering, bringing together officials from ten countries and unofficial participants from Belarus and Egypt with Taliban representatives to explore diplomatic integration of Afghanistan’s ruling movement. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov commended the Taliban for restoring order and eliminating rival militants, while insisting NATO forces should not return to Afghanistan.

The summit included Iran, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, and discussed ways to boost Afghanistan’s counter-terrorism capacity and attract foreign investment in sectors such as energy and infrastructure. However, divergent views, especially Pakistan’s conflict with the Taliban and the Taliban’s objection to a draft statement emphasizing terrorism, stalled the adoption of a joint communiqué.

Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi used the forum to call for increased investment and urged nations to fully recognize his government. Russia’s special envoy Zamir Kabulov noted the lack of agreement on the statement’s wording.