Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts

By: Michael Mike, Abuja

The eight-nation Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan held in New Delhi, India last week has emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for “sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist act.” 

Indian National Security Adviser Ajit Doval chaired the dialogue, which was attended by his counterparts from. Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan. 

India hosted the dialogue to firm up a common approach for practical cooperation in confronting increasing threats of terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking

following the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul.

Afghan representatives were not invited, while Pakistan and China declined to attend the meet, with Pakistan’s National Security Adviser Moeed Yusuf last week calling India a “spoiler” and not a “peacemaker” in Afghanistan. 

The Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan called for support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan. 

It called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalisation, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking. 

It stated that the dialogue on Afghanistan has condemned in strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed firm commitment to combat terrorism. 

At the meeting, humanitarian assistance was sought for Afghanistan in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner. 

It should be ensured that fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities in Afghanistan are not violated, the declaration mentioned. 

Participants at the Delhi dialogue discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, its regional and global ramifications, the declaration informed. 

The Delhi declaration also stated that Wednesday’s NSA-level meet talked about the need to form an open and truly inclusive government in Afghanistan. 

The eight-nation meet, hosted by India, stressed on the importance of inclusion of all sections in the administrative and political structure imperative for successful reconciliation in Afghanistan, the said declaration also mentioned.

“The recent developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for the people of that country but also for its neighbours and the region,” NSA Ajit Doval  said at the eight-nation dialogue. 

Chairing the meet, Doval in his opening remarks said it is time to have close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination among the regional countries on the Afghan situation. 

NSA Doval also said, “We all have been keenly watching developments in Afghanistan.” He said developments in Afghanistan have important implications not only for people of that country but also for its neighbours. 

Ajit Doval said he is confident “our deliberations will contribute to help Afghan people and enhance our collective security”. 

Doval added that this is a time for close consultations, greater cooperation and coordination amongst the nations on Afghanistan.

Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan, said: “As we have a long border with Afghanistan, the current situation creates extra risk and possibilities for drug trafficking, terrorism. The situation on Tajik-Afghan borders remains complicated.” 

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Mahmudzoda also said, “We, as the neighbouring country are ready to participate in all programs that can help the people of Afghanistan.” 

Iran calls for inclusive government

Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani, Secretary, National Security Council, Iran, said: “There’s a crisis of migration, refugees in Afghanistan and the solution can come with the formation of an inclusive government, and participation of all ethnic groups. Hoping to come up with a mechanism to resolve it.” 

Shamkhani said it is unfortunate that today, Afghanistan is involved in terrorism, poverty and misery. He said that “issues of multilateral dimensions, the issues which have already destroyed Afghanistan” would be discussed. 

“I am very much proud and happy of the fact that the meetings in Tehran have continued and we are able to consult each other in order to resolve the crisis,” he added. 

Afghans should be extended help: Kyrgyzstan official

Marat M Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyzstan, said it is a very difficult situation in our region and all over the world. Talking about “terrorist organisations in Afghanistan”, he said, “With joint efforts, help should be extended to the Afghans.” 

Multilateral meetings help talk challenges, threat, says Russian NSA

Nikolai Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia, at the meeting on Wednesday said: “Multilateral meetings help in discussing issues linked to the development situation in Afghanistan, counter challenges, threats emanating from the country, and establish long lasting peace.” 

Joint effort can restore peace: Uzbekistan

“To restore peace in Afghanistan and in the region altogether, we have to find a collective solution. It is possible only through joint efforts,” Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of Security Council of Uzbekistan, said at the dialogue hosted by India. 

Turkmenistan speaks on establishment of peace

“This meeting gives us the opportunity to find out a solution to resolve current issues in Afghanistan, and establish peace in the region,” Charymyrat Amanov, Secretary, Security Council of Turkmenistan said at the NSA-level meet on Afghanistan. 

Kazakhstan says it’s time to take concrete actions

Stability issue of Afghanistan demands efforts of the whole international community, Karim Massimov, Chairman, Kazakhstan National Security Committee, said, adding that it is highly important to begin taking concrete actions. 

Speaking at a regional security dialogue on Afghanistan hosted by India, Massimov said there is a need to increase humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

“We are concerned about the prevailing situation in Afghanistan. The social and economic situation of Afghans is deteriorating and the country is facing a humanitarian crisis; necessary to increase humanitarian assistance,” he said. 

“With the Taliban movement coming into power the situation inside the country remains complicated. There are many obstacles to forming an effective government. The terrorist organisations are intensifying activities,” he noted. 

PM Modi meets NSAs 

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the officials who attended the NSA-level meet in Delhi.

The participants of the meeting thanked India for holding the Third Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan in New Delhi and agreed to hold the next round in 2022.

Apprehension grows over use of Afghanistan for sheltering, training or financing terror acts