The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday welcomed the statement by Moscow conference and called it a step forward towards beginning serious talks for achieving peace based on Afghans’ demand.

The ministry said it supports the emphasis of the statement on a negotiated political settlement in Afghanistan. 

The ministry added that the Islamic Republic is the only inclusive and acceptable structure that can ensure political participation, pluralism, citizenship equality and preserving of stability in a diverse society like Afghanistan.

Moscow hosted the meeting of the extended ‘Troika’ comprising representatives of Russia, China, United States, and Pakistan on March 18 that focused on making progress in the intra-Afghan process to reach a negotiated settlement and permanent ceasefire in the country.

Following the conference, a joint statement was issued in which the four key participants stated that they would not support the return of the Islamic emirate system in Afghanistan.  

The statement also recognized the will of the Afghan people for peace, called for a reduction in violence from all sides and for the Taliban to not launch a Spring offensive, and reiterated calls for a negotiated settlement for the conflict. 

“As stated in the UNSC resolution 2513 (2020), we do not support the restoration of the Islamic Emirate and we call on the government of the Islamic and the High Council for National Reconciliation to engage openly with their Taliban counterparts regarding a negotiated settlement,” the statement said.  

The joint statement also called on participants in the intra-Afghan negotiations to engage immediately in discussions on fundamental issues to resolve the conflict.

The statement called on the Afghan government and the Taliban to ensure that terrorist groups and individuals do not use Afghan soil to threaten the security of any other nation.  

In the statement, the delegates also reaffirmed their commitment to the protection of the rights of all Afghans, including women, men, children, victims of war, and minorities. 

“We call on all parties to the conflict in Afghanistan to reduce the level of violence in the country and on the Taliban to not to pursue a spring offensive, so as to avoid further casualties and to create an environment conducive to reaching a negotiated settlement,” according to the settlement.  

The statement also called on the global community to contribute to building lasting peace in the country.  

“We recognize and welcome all international efforts that are underway to facilitate and support a negotiated settlement as soon as possible,” said the statement.