Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe presidents of Iran and the prime minister of Pakistan have called the presence of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan a serious threat to regional and global security.
In a joint statement, the President of Iran, Ebrahim Raisi and the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif also emphasized a peaceful and stable Afghanistan, stating that greater participation of all Afghan factions in fundamental decision-making would strengthen peace and stability in the country.
The statement was published by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan at the end of the Iranian president’s three-day visit to Pakistan.
The joint statement said: “Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to the development of Afghanistan as a peaceful, united, sovereign and independent state, free from the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking. Noting that the existence of terrorist organizations in Afghanistan poses a serious threat to regional and global security, the two sides reaffirmed their willingness to enhance cooperation on counter-terrorism and security and to develop a united front against terrorism. The two sides also noted the relevance of coordinating regional and international efforts to ensure security and stability in the region, and emphasized the positive contribution of existing regional forums towards this end. While respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Afghanistan, the two sides recognized that increasing participation of all strata of Afghans in basic decision-making will lead to the strengthening of peace and stability in this country.”
Although the Islamic Emirate has not yet commented on this matter, it has previously dismissed claims about the existence of terrorist groups in Afghanistan as baseless.
But what role do Iran and Pakistan play in ensuring security and stability in Afghanistan?
“Understanding between them and dialogue aimed at combating terrorism and bringing peace and stability to the region, especially assistance in this regard to Afghanistan, is in the interest of the region as well as the countries of Iran, Pakistan, and Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat.
The early resumption of activities of the regional contact group and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation for coordination and efforts to maintain stability and develop economic relations in the region are other topics mentioned in this statement.