UN coordinator, Muttaqi confer on Doha meeting

KABUL (Pajhwok): The United Nations Special Coordinator for Afghanistan Feridun Sinirlioğlu l has underlined greater international diplomatic presence in Kabul.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Amir Khan Muttaqi met Feridun Sinirlioğlu ahead of the UN-convened Doha meeting, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said in a statement.

The two sides discussed the recent diplomatic breakthroughs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) and upcoming UN-led meeting in Doha, capital of Qatar.

Muttaqi briefed his interlocutor on the outcome of the “Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative” meeting in Kabul and acceptance of IEA ambassador’s credentials by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The minister reiterated the IEA’s desire for constructive interaction with the international community.

He also reiterated Kabul’s position on the UN Security Council Resolution 2721, welcomed positive points of in the independent assessment of Sinirlioğlu and insisted there was no need to appoint a new special representative in the presence of UNAMA and an independent central government in Afghanistan.

Sinirlioğlu said he had closely observed the “Afghanistan Regional Cooperation Initiative” meeting last week and congratulated the MoFA for its successful conduct.

He presented information about his visits and discussions on the Doha meeting and emphasised the meeting’s goal was fostering ongoing international engagement with Afghanistan to further political progress.

He added in his independent assessment, he had requested the diplomatic presence of countries in Kabul should be increased, discussion held on removing sanction on Da Afghanistan Bank and technical and development assistance to Afghanistan resumed.

The UN special coordinator hoped the World Bank would make a positive decision about Afghanistan in the near future.

The coordinator said MoFA had been invited to the meeting in Doha. He stated an agreement had been reached on inviting Afghanistan.

Muttaqi called the Doha meeting a significant opportunity for Afghanistan, noting the IEA would decide on attendance after learning more about its composition and agenda.

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Maulvi Abdul Kabir confirmed that the IEA representative had been invited to attend the meeting on Afghanistan in Doha.

The UN-led meeting in the Qatari capital is scheduled for February 18 and 19.

kk/mud

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