Trying to address all concerns rationally, says Muttaqi

KABUL (Pajhwok): Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi during his visit to China believes a balanced and economy-centric policy will rescue Afghanistan from conflicts.

At a meeting of foreign ministers from Afghanistan’s neighbours, Russia said the former Afghan envoy to the UN could not represent the country.

Representatives from neighbouring countries, the US, Russia, Qatar and Indonesia attended the meeting in Tunxi, China, on Wednesday.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman for the foreign ministry, quoted Muttaqi as telling the huddle: “The Islamic Emirate is trying to respond to all political, economic and social concerns in a rational manner and make the political structure more inclusive.

In a tweet from the ministry, Muttaqi said the new Afghan administration was doing all it could to steer Afghanistan out of conflict with a balanced and economy-centric policy.

The minister alleged Afghanistan’s seat at the UN was being held by a person who could not represent the sitting government.

The new Afghan government should be supported because all could benefit by strengthening it. Destabilising it could lead to adverse effects, he warned, reaffirming the new administration’s commitment to responding to all concerns.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi hoped the meeting would bring development and stability to Afghanistan.

There should be no threats to anyone in Afghanistan, he stressed.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, who also attended the meeting, said Western countries should discharge their responsibility towards Afghanistan.

“The former Afghan government’s envoy to the UN cannot represent Afghanistan and that he misused his position,” the Russian minister claimed.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said the meeting should conclude with an agreement among regional countries on Afghanistan’s request for recognition.

He added the participants emphasised on staying engaged with Afghanistan’s new rulers.

mds/mud

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