Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Russian representative also underscored that a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the interest of all regional countries.
At the United Nations General Assembly, representatives from regional countries emphasized the importance of infrastructure projects and economic cooperation, urging a practical and non-political approach to supporting the Afghan people.
China’s envoy to the UN criticized the U.S. for freezing $7 billion of Afghanistan’s assets and called for the immediate return of these funds to the Afghan people. Geng Shuang stressed that Western strategies in Afghanistan have failed and that focus should now shift to economic development and regional cooperation.
The Chinese envoy stated: “We hope the international community will assess the situation in Afghanistan impartially, realistically, and comprehensively, and will play a constructive role in reintegrating the country into the global economic system, ensuring its stability, and improving the lives of its people.”
The Russian representative also underscored that a stable and prosperous Afghanistan is in the interest of all regional countries. She stressed the need for collective efforts to promote national reconciliation and economic reconstruction.
Anna Evstigneeva, Deputy Representative of Russia to the UN, said: “What has been neglected for years is the urgent lifting of unilateral and unprecedented sanctions and the release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets. These funds are vital for the country’s reconstruction and economic progress — for building roads, schools, and hospitals.”
Uzbekistan’s envoy highlighted the importance of major projects in Afghanistan, such as infrastructure development, improved transportation, stronger agriculture, and better water management. He stressed the need for increased investment and effort in these areas.
Ulugʻbek Lapasov, Uzbekistan’s Permanent Representative to the UN, stated: Despite the difficult economic situation since August 2021, the current Afghan government has managed to improve the situation and establish internal and external economic processes. The issues of security combating drug trafficking have improved and the trade with the neighboring and regional countries has grown.
Despite disagreements over how to engage with the Islamic Emirate, there is a broad consensus that economic development and regional connectivity can significantly contribute to Afghanistan’s stability.