KABUL: Russia has called on the international community to adopt a coordinated, pragmatic, and depoliticized approach toward Afghanistan.
Speaking at a United Nations Security Council meeting on Afghanistan on Monday night, Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, said global engagement with Afghanistan should be based on objective analysis and practical cooperation rather than political considerations.
Nebenzya said the current Afghan government has been standing on its own feet since the withdrawal of foreign forces and has sought to build stability with regional countries, adding that these efforts have borne fruit.
He noted that despite ongoing sanctions, the authorities in Afghanistan have managed to address several longstanding problems, stressing that constructive engagement and dialogue based on mutual trust, without pressure or political bargaining could help improve relations.
The Russian envoy also expressed support for the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and called for greater mutual trust between UNAMA and the Afghan government.
Nebenzya further urged the lifting of sanctions on Afghanistan and the release of the country’s frozen assets, saying cooperation with Kabul on counterterrorism and combating narcotics should be among the international community’s priorities.
Afghan authorities have previously made similar calls, urging the world to adopt a pragmatic and reality-based approach toward the country.