report in ToloNews, Dec 19, 2023 at 10:15 PM
The acting minister of foreign affairs, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said he opposes the appointment of a representative of the UN for peace and reconciliation negotiations in Afghanistan.
The new potential envoy was suggested by UN special coordinator for Afghanistan Feridun Sinirlioğlu in his report to the UNSC in November 2023.
In a meeting with UK Chargé d’Affaires for Afghanistan Robert Chatterton Dickson, Muttaqi said the report of the UN’s special coordinator on Afghanistan is “balanced,” according to Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesperson of the ministry.
The acting minister also said that Afghanistan’s doors for engagement were open for all.
“Amir Khan Muttaqi considered most parts of the report of the UN special coordinator for Afghanistan as positive but opposed the appointment of a UN peace representative for Afghanistan taking into account the current situation of the country. He added that Afghanistan has had developments in many sectors and has positive engagement with countries,” said Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesperson for the ministry of foreign affairs.
Takal said that the acting foreign minister also met with the Chinese special envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong.
In the meeting, Amir Khan Muttaqi said better bilateral relations between the two countries are “important” and he emphasized the start of work on Mes Aynak copper mine.
Political and economic analysts are of the view that strengthening economic and political relations between Afghanistan and its neighbors would benefit Kabul.
“The investment of foreigners in Afghanistan’s natural resources can strategically ensure the economic growth of the country,” said Muhammad Bashir Shabiri, an economic analyst.
“The world has a consensus in strategic engagement with Afghanistan. Countries will individually engage with Afghanistan considering their respective interests,” said Fazal Rahman Oriya, a political analyst.
Earlier, the Islamic Emirate urged its desire for positive engagement with the world.
https://tolonews.com/afghanistan-186564
