Special envoys of neighboring states discuss Afghan situation

KARACHI, Pakistan

Special envoys of several neighboring states of Afghanistan met virtually over the weekend to discuss the evolving situation in the war-torn country amid a delay in the formation of a new government by the Taliban.

The envoys of China, Iran, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan attended a virtual meeting hosted by Pakistan, said a statement by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry.

Islamabad's special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, chaired the meeting.

Welcoming his counterparts, Sadiq called for evolving a "regional approach" to address the common challenges and to realize the new opportunities arising from a stable Afghanistan.

A prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan, he added, would provide impetus to economic integration, strong people-to-people linkages, enhanced trade, and regional connectivity.

“The special representatives of neighbors of Afghanistan agreed to remain in close contact," the statement added.