ISLAMABAD: Ten major regional powers including China, Russia, Iran, India, and Pakistan joined forces in Moscow to oppose any attempt by the United States to regain a military foothold in Afghanistan through control of the strategic Bagram Airbase.
The joint declaration, issued after the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, stated that any foreign military presence in Afghanistan or neighboring countries was “unacceptable” and against the interests of regional peace and stability.
The statement followed former US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about reclaiming Bagram, Afghanistan’s largest air facility. The Taliban government has already rejected the idea, saying no foreign troops would be allowed on Afghan soil.
For the first time, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended the meeting as a full member, alongside representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Belarus also participated as an observer.
Representing Pakistan, Ambassador Muhammad Sadiq highlighted concerns about terrorist sanctuaries in Afghanistan and urged collective regional action to dismantle such networks. “Pakistan remains committed to a peaceful, stable, and secure Afghanistan,” he said, calling for joint counter-terrorism efforts and stronger regional cooperation in political, economic, and anti-drug initiatives.
The participating nations reaffirmed their support for an independent and united Afghanistan, stressing the importance of economic cooperation, trade, and connectivity to promote sustainable development. They urged the global community to provide humanitarian aid without politicization and to help Afghanistan recover economically.
The statement also emphasized intensified counter-terrorism collaboration to ensure Afghan territory is not used as a base for threats against neighboring countries. Participants identified terrorism as a major danger to the region’s peace and development.
On the sidelines, Pakistan’s envoy met with Afghan FM Muttaqi for a detailed 90-minute discussion on enhancing bilateral cooperation in trade, transit, and regional security. Both sides agreed to strengthen border trade, streamline customs, and expand transport links to boost regional connectivity.
They also discussed shared security challenges, including the presence of terrorist groups and the safety of trade routes, reaffirming the need for continued dialogue and joint efforts for lasting peace and economic growth in the region.
