Washington, Sep 25 (UNI) US President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan and called on the Taliban to adhere to its commitments, including not allowing Afghan territory to be used for terrorism against any other country, and both leaders also determined to work closely with partners towards an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans.
In their first in-person bilateral, held in the White House on Friday, the two leaders resolved that the Taliban must abide by UN Security Council Resolution 2593, adopted during India’s presidency last month, which demands that Afghan territory must never again be used to threaten or attack any country or to shelter or train terrorists, or to plan or finance terrorist attacks. Both leaders underscored the importance of combating terrorism in Afghanistan, a joint statement issued after the talks said
The Leaders called on the Taliban to adhere to these and all other commitments, including regarding the safe, secure, and orderly departure from Afghanistan of Afghans and all foreign nationals and to respect the human rights of all Afghans, including women, children, and members of minority groups.
They emphasized the importance of efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan, called on the Taliban to allow full, safe, direct and unhindered access for the United Nations, its specialized agencies and implementing partners, and all humanitarian actors engaged in humanitarian relief activity, including with respect to internally displaced persons.
Reflecting their long-term commitment to promoting development and economic opportunity for the Afghan people, the two leaders determined to continue to closely coordinate and to work jointly with partners toward an inclusive and peaceful future for all Afghans, it said.
During the talks, “there was appreciation of our Presidency of the council, especially on the issue of Afghanistan, but also on the overall cooperation that we have with the United States in the UN in general and the Security Council in particular,” Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla said at a media briefing later.
Both leaders noted the fact that the current ruling dispensation in Afghanistan “did not appear to be an inclusive one” and did not involve the ethnic minorities of Afghanistan, that it not did not include the participation of women in the government.
UNI/RN