Category: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

New speech from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Mawlāwī Amīr Khān Muttaqī: “To the Conference On Palestine In Iran”

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

Esteemed Brother Hassan Amir Abdullahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran,

Distinguished Ministers, Scholars, and Participants of this significant gathering,

Assalamo Alaiku, (May peace be upon you all),

First and foremost, I express my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran for providing me with the opportunity to share my perspective on this crucial and deeply distressing regional, Islamic, and humanitarian issue.

Dear colleagues,

We convene here today while, even as I speak, the youth of Gaza, the oppressed, are being killed, their mothers are enduring unimaginable suffering, and innocent children are losing their parents.

Today marks the 78th day of the ongoing massacre and genocide of the people of Gaza. Yet, the international community, which incessantly proclaims its commitment to human rights, values, justice, and freedom, remains mere spectators to these barbaric acts.

Regrettably, we find ourselves in an era rife with contradictions. While some nations impose sanctions on others for political reasons or purported violations of human rights, they remain silent regarding the crimes committed by a regime that has perpetrated the genocide of an entire nation. Humanity seems to have abandoned all principles and standards.

In the presence of numerous conventions on human rights and other humanitarian issues, we witness the loss of 20,000 lives in the past 78 days alone, with half of the victims being innocent women and children.

Esteemed attendees,

Can the international order born out of the aftermath of the Second World War truly address the needs of humanity in the 21st century with such glaring contradictions? Can we, in this age of heightened intellectual awareness, accept these double standards?

I do not believe that these dual and multiple attitudes will satisfy the awakened conscience of the present generation. We are in dire need of a new international order founded on justice and equality, an order that upholds all human rights without exceptions and prevents the politicization of these values.

We need an order that can bring peace, stability, and justice to our world.

Whether we acknowledge it or not, the human conscience cannot ignore these contradictions. The blatant permission granted to the Zionist regime to massacre Palestinians in Gaza is a clear example of this contradiction. Consequently, reforming the current international order becomes an imperative.

It is profoundly ironic that while Afghanistan, after four decades of foreign interference and wars, has made strides towards security and stability, it now faces international sanctions due to the political manipulation of human rights. How can we comprehend the logic behind these double standards?

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, separate from the Afghan society, not only managed to end the 20-year American occupation through the grace of Allah and the relentless struggle of its heroic mujahideen, but it also empathizes with the suffering of the Muslim nation of Palestine more than any other nation.

The Palestinian cause extends far beyond the Palestinian people; it is an Arab, Islamic, and humanitarian issue. Anyone who believes in justice, freedom, and human values cannot remain silent in the face of the ongoing atrocities committed by the Zionist regime.

Esteemed attendees,

As an inseparable part of the Islamic Ummah, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan firmly rejects the ongoing oppression by the Zionist regime and the occupation of Palestinian lands. We consider the struggle of the Palestinian people as a legitimate and lawful endeavor, rooted in religious texts and international law.

We urge the influential countries of the Islamic world to play an active role in putting an end to the killing of innocent Palestinians. The Islamic world must unite its voice in support of Palestine’s liberation, not allowing political considerations to hinder this noble initiative. I commend Iran’s current initiative in this regard.

However, it is essential for other regional nations to join hands so that we may collectively halt the genocide of the oppressed Palestinian nation. These efforts must persist until a permanent and equitable solution to the Palestinian issue is achieved, granting the Palestinians rightful ownership over their historical land of Palestine.

IEA stands ready to assist the Islamic world in this humanitarian and Islamic cause, in accordance with His will.

Once again, I extend my gratitude to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iran for providing me with this platform to address you all.

Thank you sincerely for your kind attention.

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New release from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Mawlāwī Amīr Khān Muttaqī: “Speech At Moscow Format Meeting”

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

In the name of Allah, the Merciful, the beneficent

حامدا ومصلیا وبعد

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the governments of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Tatarstan for hosting this meeting and inviting us on behalf of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to take part in order to discuss and talk in-depth about the most recent political, security, and economic developments in our country.

Dear attendees,

Two years ago, on October 16, 2021, a delegation of the IEA participated in the Moscow format meeting at a time when the American and NATO occupation in Afghanistan and the administration dependent on them was toppled, and the new government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan had just begun working. At that time, there were deep concerns and serious questions regarding the future governance, the revival of government institutions, especially the reactivation of the security sector ministries, the security situation and drugs.

We believed in the special help of Allah, the support of the people, and our firm determination that as soon as the occupation ends, we will lay the foundation stone of an independent, peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan. All praise belongs to Allah almighty as this task begun and efforts underway to strengthened it.

For the past two years, in this format and other formats, We gave satisfaction and promised that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, as a responsible government, will not allow any threat to the world, the region and especially to its neighbouring countries from the territory of Afghanistan, and this promise has been well implemented.

In the past two years, while rebuilding the political, security and economic foundations of our government, we have accelerated the fight against the insurgent groups trained in the shadow of the invaders and were able to destroy the hideouts of Daesh throughout the country in a very professional manner and thus we foiled the last attempt of a big conspiracy against the security of the entire region including Afghanistan.

Dear attendees,

In the past half a century, Afghanistan was faced with many political, security, economic, social and especially domestic legitimacy crisis, which caused many challenges; Scientific and practical experience showed that the main root of the crisis was the application of foreign versions, models and orders regarding the domestic problem, which ignored our geography, history, culture, religious and social values.

A valid example of our claim is the last two years of government, where we ended the war without any help or support, we centralized the government, we made the budget independent, we did not threaten anyone from the country. We have effectively fought against drugs, we have expanded job opportunities in the government and private sector, access to justice has been extended to every district and village, we have created facilities for trade, transit and investment, in different parts of the country. We have started a rehabilitation project and ensured transparency in the delivery of services to the deprived sections of the people.

In the last 20 years, the so-called all-inclusive regime did not achieve this despite hundreds of thousands of foreign and domestic soldiers, advanced weapons, extensive financial support and political support from the region and western countries, which is the main reason for the collapse. As a result of accepting the orders, a crisis of legitimacy was created for the people and the people were opposed to it.

Based on this, we have established a government that enjoys religious and national legitimacy along with good governance, taking into account the religion, history, culture and especially the immediate political realities of our people. I hope that the countries of the region and the world also put their stamp of approval on this fact, but in the last 45 years, no foreign version like undefined inclusiveness has solved the problems of Afghanistan.

We hope from all countries, especially our neighbors and the countries of the region, as we do not convoy direction to others regarding the form of governance, they should also instead of presenting prescriptions regarding the form of governance of Afghanistan start official work with the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in every field so that the hands of the evil directions can be cut off as well as take part as per their resources and capacity to use this historic opportunity for the benefit of the stability and prosperity the Euro-Asia region, which forms nearly seventy percent of the world’s population, most of the wealth and a third of the energy.

Dear attendees,

In the end, I would like to reference a few important issues.

First: Now as the occupation of Afghanistan has ended, security has been restored and there is a strong political will, it is time to implement the regional connectivity project cantered on Afghanistan. Based on our economic oriented foreign policy, we are ready to provide all necessary facilities for regional connectivity be it in the form of transport or in the form of energy transfer.

After the new political developments, now more than ever the conditions are suitable for the implementation of the “North-South Trade Corridor”. We support the statements of the Prime Minister of the Russian Federation, Mr. Mikhail Mishustin, who said that “Russia is ready to focus on the development of trade routes in the Euro-Asia region, including Afghanistan and South Asia.” It should also be important for the countries of the region to know how to protect their interests and take advantage of opportunities.

Second: Afghanistan has a strong potential for economic cooperation, trade and investment, and we have no discrimination in infrastructure projects, energy, mining, agriculture, communication lines, and especially the railway that connects the entire region through Afghanistan, we are ready to provide the necessary facilities.

Third: We are reiterating our preparations in the field of border cooperation with neighboring countries to prevent the movement of smugglers and other destructive elements. Countering these threats requires collective cooperation. We have made effective efforts in this area and we have fought to reduce drug cultivation and trafficking to zero; But in the field of smuggling, which requires bilateral cooperation, we need the cooperation of the respective countries.

Fourth: During the last two years, Afghanistan witnessed the beginning of extensive political and diplomatic interactions with many countries, especially with the countries of the region. In this regard, the countries of the region were very forward, thank you!

We call this a new chapter of diplomatic relations between Afghanistan and the region and the world. For example, the People’s Republic of China introduced an ambassador to the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan according to diplomatic formalities. We hope that this action of China will become a good example for other countries and our ambassadors will also accept it in order to provide effective engagement in view of mutual benefits.

Fifth: Tourists, diplomats, aid workers, journalists and researchers from different countries of the world come to Afghanistan with confidence and roam freely throughout the country.

Therefore, we once again announce that anyone who is worried about security or drugs from Afghanistan should go to Afghanistan instead of listening to the propaganda of selfish people and reacting to this selfish propaganda. They should come, sent delegations and see everything with their own eyes so that their worries are relieved and they are satisfied.

In the end, besides thanking the Russian Federation for this initiative, I once again call on the neighbors and the countries of the region that Afghanistan is ready to interact positively with all of them based on common legitimate interests, and we hope that all countries taking into account their national interests will use this opportunity.

Thank you for your attention and have a great time.

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New release from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s Mawlāwī Amīr Khān Muttaqī: “Speech At the Fourth Foreign Ministers Meeting Among the Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan”

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

Honorable Foreign Ministers of Afghanistan’s neighboring and regional countries, please do accept my highest compliments.

Allow me to express my appreciation for this initiative taken by regional countries, and particularly Uzbekistan, for hosting this round of talks. I also extend my gratitude to countries that exerted efforts for our participation in this meeting.

This initiative expressly shows our joint commitment for the stability, security and economic prosperity of our own region. It indicates that we have a common future and must synergize our efforts to make full use of existing opportunities brought about by the prevalent stability and security, and tackle common threats in a responsible manner. Afghanistan stands ready for close and coordinated engagement with the region.

Excellencies,

We are gathered here today as the pace towards multipolarity has accelerated. The Eurasian continents generally, and our region particularly, will play a key role in this new world order.

Afghanistan, located in an important geostrategic area between West, Central and South Asia, is currently blessed with a committed and responsive government. A stable and secure Afghanistan has the potential of playing a pivotal role in regional security, stability and economic connectivity.

However, decades of imposed wars had not only snatched great economic and commercial opportunities from Afghanistan but the region at large. We now have a window of opportunity to transform Afghanistan into a key economic and commercial partner.

Our expectation remains that regional countries will exert joint efforts to bring about conditions of stability and economic prosperity in Afghanistan so that it may assist Afghanistan in playing a constructive role. We, likewise, are ready to fulfill our obligations as a responsible government.

Excellencies,

We, under no circumstance, will allow Afghanistan to turn into an arena for negative confrontations and illegitimate rivalries.

The recent positive developments in Afghanistan, such as the withdrawal of foreign forces, rise of a powerful central government, law and order, encompassing security, end of corruption, access to judiciary and justice, ban on narcotics cultivation and trade, and the overall positive resolve of the Afghan government have spawned new opportunities for close and meaningful cooperation between Afghanistan and the region.

The groundwork has been laid for Afghanistan to play its role in all regional connectivity projects such as Trans-Afghan Railway, TAPI, TAP, CASA-1000 and the Belt and Road Initiative.

Excellencies,

Let us not overlook that there remain many challenges in our common pursuit requiring us to overcome impediments through joint efforts in order to make proper use of all opportunities for our common region. Afghanistan remains firmly committed to not allowing any group or individual to use the territory of Afghanistan against any regional state or beyond, or to engage in the cultivation and trade of narcotics in Afghanistan. This commitment is not only in words, rather we are practically engaged in serious security and stabilization efforts inside Afghanistan, and have discernable achievements to show.

Nearly two years since the establishment of the current government, no significant security incident has transpired where its roots take source from Afghanistan. We encapsulate Afghanistan’s interests in the framework of regional security, stability and economic connectivity, and this precise discourse can best guarantee the interests of our entire region.

On this basis, regional states must remain vigilant about not allowing their policy towards Afghanistan to fall prey to the negative propaganda and machinations of opposing powers. Rather, Afghanistan must be viewed from the lens of regional security, stability and economic connectivity, and through close observation of ground realities and positive engagement with its authorities. Positive and resolute political, security and economic regional cooperation can prove beneficial in securing both the interests of Afghanistan and the region.

Instability in Afghanistan is not in the interest of anyone as it can become a source for regional instability, narcotics boom, arms proliferation, illegal migration and other challenges.

To end, I again thank the Republic of Uzbekistan for hosting this important meeting. We hope that Afghanistan can represent itself in all future regional formats, initiatives and organizations so that we may jointly realize the full potential of the Asian Century.

Wishing you a great day!

Thank you very much.

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New statement from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: “Ministry of Foreign Affairs: On the Da Afghanistan Bank (DAB) Reserves”

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IEA-MoFA deems recent decision by the US to transfer a part ($3.5 billion) of the reserves of DAB to Switzerland & use it for targeted disbursement without any input by Afghanistan as unacceptable & a violation of international norms.

IEA, as an accountable gov. to its people, expresses its explicit opposition to the specific iteration of this mechanism.

DAB reserves, like those of other states, are used for currency stabilization, strengthening financial systems & facilitating international transactions.

These reserves can never be used for any disbursement purposes. Disbursing these reserves for other purposes without the express agreement of the Afghan people is a negative step against Afghan economic stability taken by the United States.

The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan would like to clarify that during bilateral talks with the United States, the independence and professionalism of the Central Bank, and openness to third party monitoring of AML/CFT regime was proven both in words and deeds.

US has taken this step without finalizing negotiations or reaching an agreement with us, showing ill-faith to undermine economic stability & well-being of the Afghans. Despite commitments to & compliance with international financial practices by the Central Bank of Afghanistan,

a decision has been made to forcibly transfer the wealth of the Afghan people to another country. We therefore call on all individuals & sides to condemn this illegal & oppressive action, & support the Afghan people on this issue.

Through this statement, we would like to present our objection to the countries and institutions involved in this issue and we will continue to monitor the situation through diplomatic channels.

The principle causes of the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan are the twenty-year American war, endemic corruption by the US-backed administration, and, following the change in government, the imposition of sanctions against Afghanistan & its banking sector, which has prevented investors benefitting from newly created economic opportunities.

If the reserves are disbursed without taking into consideration legitimate demands of the Afghans, the Islamic Emirate will be forced to impose fines against, and ban activities of, all individuals, institutions and companies that facilitate this illegal venture & seek to misuse DAB reserves for humanitarian & other purposes.

We again urge US to unfreeze reserves and lift restrictions on financial systems of the Afghan people so that they may have access to banking systems & stabilize their economy.

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New statement from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: “UNSC Monitoring Team Report On Increasing Foreign Groups’ Activities in Afghanistan Is Untrue”

Posted on by Aaron Y. Zelin

Click the following link for a safe PDF copy: Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — UNSC Monitoring Team Report On Increasing Foreign Groups’ Activities in Afghanistan Is Untrue

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New statement from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: “Attending the Three-day Special Meeting on the Situation in Afghanistan in Oslo, Norway”

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Pashto:

Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan — Attending the Three-day Special Meeting on the Situation in Afghanistan in Oslo, Norway

English:

The first day of the meeting was set to meet with Afghan personalities and several civil society representatives, at the end of which a joint statement was issued by both sides rejecting any military action against the current government in Afghanistan and emphasizing resolving any issues through dialogue.

According to the agenda, the second and third days of the meeting were set to discussions on humanitarian and economic assistance, security issues and human rights in Afghanistan, women’s education and work – with special representatives from Norway, the United States, Britain, Germany, Qatar, Italy, France, and the European Union & the heads of several charity organizations to hold detailed discussions in the technical committees.

Serious and effective talks were also held with senior US Treasury officials on frozen assets, economic sanctions, humanitarian aid, and expediting economic activities to ease restrictions on banking transactions and the free flow of money.

Minister Muttaqi and the accompanying delegation provided detailed information and reasons to the representatives of various countries and institutions regarding the achievements of the last five months, new policies, laws, and plans.

Members of the European Union, the British and American delegations, and representatives of charity organizations praised the Afghan government’s progress in security, the fight against corruption, education, and other areas, and expressed hope for further progress.

Concerns about human rights and women’s rights and several other issues were shared at the meeting, where IEA officials and the accompanying delegation provided conclusive explanations, stressing that the Government of Afghanistan is committed to implementing the amnesty decree and administering justice as well as fully adheres to and cooperates with all international law within the framework of Islam and Afghan values.

It is worth mentioning that in the last part of these meetings, special meetings were held with representatives of different countries to discuss the expedited and increased humanitarian and economic aid and the establishment of political relations with Afghanistan.

As a result of this meeting, the Afghan Government was able to present its policies, achievements, and plans for the future in direct response to the concerns of the world and resolve many misunderstandings.

The Afghan Government expresses gratitude to the Kingdom of Norway for its warm hospitality, facilitation of confidence-building, expediting humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghans, the release of frozen assets, lifting banking and economic sanctions, attracting new aid, and confidence-building for political relations with the US and EU.

All parties at the Oslo meeting stressed the need for the continuation of such meetings, the establishment of a mechanism for humanitarian and economic assistance to Afghanistan, and close cooperation to address the problems.

FAZILRABI ZAHIN

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New release from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan: “Joint Statement of the One-day Meeting Between the Acting Government of Afghanistan and a Number of Afghan Personalities in the Kingdom of Norway”

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Today, 23 January 2022, a one-day joint meeting was held between officials of the acting Afghan government and a number of personalities in Oslo, the capital of the Kingdom of Norway.

During the meeting, the participants listened patiently to each others’ opinions and exchanged views on the current situation in the country. They affirmed that Afghanistan is the shared home of all Afghans, and stressed that all Afghans need to work together for the political, economic and security prosperity of the country.

The participants of the meeting recognized that understanding and joint cooperation are the only solutions to all the problems of Afghanistan. All participants, with one voice, declared such meetings to be in the interest of the country.

At the end, the participants thanked Norway for providing such an opportunity.

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