Tehran to host regional meeting on developments in Afghanistan
Tehran - BORNA - Esmaeil Baghaei stated that the meeting will take place next week, with the participation of special representatives for Afghanistan from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China and Russia.
The initiative follows earlier, unsuccessful efforts by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia to bridge the gap between Islamabad and Kabul.
Baghaei noted results from discussions held by Iran with neighboring countries at various levels, and expressed hope the initiative could effectively strengthen convergence and reduce tensions.
Baghaei added that Iran has been engaged in ongoing consultations with neighboring countries, including Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the aim of strengthening peace and stability in the region.
“The Islamic Republic places fundamental importance on security and stability in our country’s neighboring environment, and, in this context, it spares no effort to reduce tensions among regional countries and strengthen understanding between them,” the spokesman told reporters.
His remarks come as relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply deteriorated in recent months, amid escalating border tensions and mutual accusations of harboring militants.
Kabul accused Islamabad of carrying out drone strikes on October 9 that killed several people in the Afghan capital, vowing retaliation in response.
The following days saw heavy cross-border clashes that left dozens of soldiers, civilians, and militants dead on both sides before Qatar brokered a ceasefire in October.
Afghan and Pakistani officials inked a temporary ceasefire deal in Doha on October 19, but the deal has since been followed by several rounds of fruitless negotiations hosted by Qatar, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia in an effort to secure a more lasting peace.
The most recent talks held in Turkey ended without progress after Kabul reportedly refused to provide written assurances that the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and other militant groups would not use Afghan territory to launch attacks against Pakistan.
Pakistan has long faced deadly attacks from militant outfits, including the resurgent TTP.
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