ISTANBUL — In a joint statement issued at an informal summit, the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States called on the Taliban to eliminate the threat of terrorism originating from Afghanistan and to strengthen regional cooperation in countering extremism.
The statement, released Saturday by the bloc, emphasizes the need for a coordinated international approach to security challenges emanating from Afghanistan, as well as the formation of an inclusive government that reflects the country’s ethnic diversity and respects human rights without discrimination.
The leaders expressed concern over the worsening humanitarian situation in Afghanistan and urged the global community to maintain its humanitarian assistance to the country, which has been in deep crisis since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
The summit communiqué also addressed the Taliban’s responsibility to curb narcotics production and trafficking, calling for greater international collaboration to combat the illicit drug trade.
The leaders reiterated that the return of Afghan refugees from neighboring countries and the broader diaspora should be voluntary and supported by reintegration efforts to facilitate their inclusion in Afghan society.
“The international community must maintain structured, consistent, and coordinated engagement with Afghanistan to prevent the emergence of renewed challenges and mitigate adverse consequences,” the statement read.
Additionally, the Turkic leaders called for the unfreezing of Afghan central bank assets held abroad — a longstanding demand also voiced by the Taliban — noting that doing so would be vital for reviving Afghanistan’s banking sector and facilitating its reintegration into the global financial system. They also highlighted the need for financial transparency, legal safeguards, and institutional reforms to underpin sustainable economic recovery.
The statement concluded with an appeal for the international community to continue supporting displaced Afghans, particularly those returning under difficult conditions, as the country struggles to rebuild.
