DUSHANBE, Tajikistan — President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan has reiterated his call for the formation of a “real” inclusive government in Afghanistan, emphasizing its importance for achieving stability, security, and regional cooperation.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in Dushanbe, Rahmon stressed that an inclusive government is crucial for Afghanistan’s stability and socio-economic development.
“The Tajikistan side believes that the full stability and socio-economic establishment of Afghanistan is of special importance for ensuring security and enhancing regional cooperation. For this purpose, Tajikistan is interested in sustainable peace and stability in the neighboring country, and we consider the formation of a truly inclusive government as a key factor to achieve this objective,” Rahmon said.
Prime Minister Sharif highlighted his concerns over terrorism threats in the region, underscoring the need for joint efforts against terrorism. Pakistan has been particularly vocal about the activities of Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Tajikistan and its allies in the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) have expressed frustrations about groups such as Daesh.
Sharif called for a unified approach to combat terrorism, stating that it is a collective responsibility. He also spoke about the importance of regional economic cooperation and its potential benefits for Afghanistan, which he described as a crucial hub for Pakistan and Tajikistan.
“Afghanistan has great economic importance, serving as a hub for Pakistan and Tajikistan,” Sharif said.
The call for an inclusive government in Afghanistan has been consistently echoed by the international community. Recently, the UN Under-Secretary-General, Rosemary DiCarlo, noted that participants of the Doha meeting emphasized the need for such a government in Afghanistan.
However, the Taliban have maintained that the formation of an inclusive government is an internal matter for Afghanistan.