Members of the Moscow Format meeting, in the final declaration, emphasized the formation of an inclusive government, the fight against terrorist groups, respect for human rights, especially the right to work and the education of women in Afghanistan.

Although the Islamic Emirate's fight against Daesh was praised during the meeting, the current Afghan government was urged to fight seriously against all terrorist groups.

“The parties noted with concern the difficult security situation in Afghanistan due to the intensification of the activities of terrorist groups, primarily ISIS. Appreciated the current Afghan authorities for their serious fight against ISIS and urged them to do the same against all terrorist groups. Called on the current Afghan authorities to take effective measures to dismantle, eliminate and prevent placement of all sorts of terrorist groups based in Afghanistan,” the declaration reads.

According to the declaration, there had been no progress in forming a truly inclusive government in Afghanistan.

“Regretfully stated that there had been no progress in forming a truly inclusive government in Afghanistan, reflecting the interests of all ethno-political groups of the country,” the declaration said.

The participants of the meeting “spoke out for respect of fundamental rights and freedoms in Afghanistan, including equal rights to work, education, and justice, without distinction as to gender, ethnicity or religion. Stressed upon their concern about imposed restrictions on women's employment and girls' education. Urged the current Afghan authorities to promote the modern education in the schools conforming to international standards.”

The Russian special envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said that any government that is not inclusive in Afghanistan will not be sustainable. 

Speaking at the fifth Moscow Format meeting, Kabulov said that the previous Afghan government was also not inclusive enough, and it was a puppet government of America. “The previous Afghan government was an American government, not an Afghan government. We think that there should be a government in Afghanistan that cares about the interests of Afghans, not other people."

Addressing the participants, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Western countries have inflicted "irreparable damage" on the Afghan people, and must shoulder the main burden of the post-conflict reconstruction of the war-torn country.

He voiced concern over attempts by non-regional players to intensify their activities in Afghanistan and reestablish military presence.

"We consider unacceptable the return of the US and NATO military infrastructure to the territory of Afghanistan and its neighboring states, no matter what pretexts they may use," Lavrov stressed.

Meanwhile, the acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate, in the Moscow Format meeting, asked the countries of the region and neighboring countries to not interfere in the internal issues of Afghanistan.

"Unfortunately, the majority of international meetings we have seen so far have been ineffective, and most of these meetings are held in an atmosphere of international competition with the leaders of the Islamic Emirates. Politically, there hasn't been much movement since the Afghan side has made it clear that they won't accept any requests for an inclusive government,” said Mohammad Saber Insandost, a university lecturer.

"We and the whole nation ask the Islamic Emirate to respect women's rights,” said Aziz Stanikzai, a political analyst.

The fifth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan at the level of special representatives and senior officials from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan was held on September 29, 2023, and ended on Friday.

 Representatives of Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and Türkiye were in attendance as guests of honor.