Afghanistan Declines to Participate in Regional Conference on Afghanistan in Iran

**Kabul:** The Taliban-led government has decided not to participate in a special regional conference on Afghanistan scheduled to be held in Iran, despite receiving a formal invitation.

According to a private TV channel, Dunya News, the conference, hosted by Iran, is expected to be attended by special representatives from Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, China, and Russia.

Deputy Spokesperson of Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hafiz Zia Ahmad Takal, told *Pajhwok Afghan News* that the Islamic Emirate had been invited to the regional meeting in Tehran but would not be taking part. He explained that Afghanistan already maintains continuous and active engagement with neighboring and regional countries through various regional organizations, forums, and bilateral mechanisms, which have resulted in tangible progress in promoting regional understanding and cooperation.

The Afghan Foreign Ministry stated that instead of creating new forums, existing regional systems and frameworks should be further strengthened to enhance cooperation and coordination in the region.

Earlier, Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei announced that Iran would host a regional conference on Afghanistan next week, with the participation of special envoys from all neighboring countries.

Afghan officials reiterated that the Islamic Emirate supports mutual trust, communication, and cooperation in the region but considers existing regional platforms to be more effective and appropriate for achieving these objectives.

The Afghan government’s statement comes at a time when Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, speaking in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, urged the international community to press the Afghan Taliban government to fulfill its international obligations and commitments and to curb terrorist elements operating from Afghan soil.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have persisted since border clashes in October this year. Although a ceasefire was agreed upon following talks in Doha and later in Istanbul, mediated by Qatar and Türkiye, strained relations continue, and bilateral trade remains suspended due to border closures.