Doha Forum Stresses Afghanistan's Role In Regional Connectivity

KABUL (Pajhwok): A panel discussion on Afghanistan at the Doha Forum- attended by a representative of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA)- has stressed the country's economic development through regional connectivity.

The 23th edition of Doha Forum, which kicked off Saturday and concluded on Sunday in Qatari capital, brought together around 5,000 participants from 162 countries.

On the day two of the forum, representatives from IEA, Qatar and Uzbekistan spoke during a panel dedicated to Afghanistan.

Pakistan should view Afghanistan as a transit hub, not a threat: Qanit

Director of Strategic Studies at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of Afghanistan Abdul Hai Qanit said the world has achieved positive results in economic interactions with Afghanistan.

He said:“Since the re-establishment of IEA, regional countries have adopted two distinct approaches: a security-focused approach that still views Afghanistan through the lens and past threats and an economy-focused approach aimed at regional integration.”
Referring to recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, the official said Kabul seeks dialogue to resolve issues.

However, he warned that“if the crisis continues for a long time, it will undermine regional trust and damage regional connectivity and cooperation.”

Qanit added that trade routes were increasingly being used as tools of political pressure.

He continued Pakistan could view Afghanistan not as a threat but as an important transit hub linking South and Central Asia.

About two months ago, Pakistan violated Afghan airspace and carried out attacks, prompting a response from IEA. Since then, talks between the two countries have been held once in Qatar, twice in Turkey and once in Saudi Arabia – without producing concrete results.

Despite ongoing talks, Pakistan's military repeatedly violated ceasefires, causing civilian casualties in their attacks on Afghanistan.

“Uzbekistan sees Afghanistan as an opportunity”

Special Representative of Uzbekistan's President for Afghanistan Ismatullah Irgashev said his country considers“Afghanistan an opportunity not a threat.”

He said:“Including security, Uzbekistan cooperates with Afghanistan in various fields. Trade between the two countries has reached 1.2 billion US dollars over the past nine months. Afghanistan has also increased its exports through Uzbek border crossings.”

Striving to keep communication open between Kabul, Islamabad: Qatar

Special Envoy of the Qatari Foreign Minister Faisal bin Abdullah Al Hanzab reaffirmed his country's commitment to engaging with Afghanistan.

He noted that Doha acts as a bridge between Afghanistan and the international community.

He said:“Qatar plays a leading role in helping resolve pending issues between Afghanistan and Pakistan. For this reason, we are working to ensure communication channels always remain open. Qatar now hosts not only internationally guided processes, but also bilateral discussions between Afghanistan and third countries.”

In addition to Afghanistan, this year's Doha Forum also addressed Gaza, Sudan, global conflicts, and other international issues.

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