Security chiefs of India, Russia, Iran and the five Central Asian countries on Wednesday in a joint statement condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalization, to ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism. The Delhi Declaration, issued after talks between the security chiefs of the eight countries, including Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, also called for an inclusive government in Afghanistan representing all sections of the people, UNI news agency said.

During the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan, hosted by India, the participants discussed the evolving situation in Afghanistan, especially the security situation and its regional and global ramifications.

The sides paid special attention to the current political situation in Afghanistan and threats arising from terrorism, radicalisation and drug trafficking as well as the need for humanitarian assistance, the joint statement said.

The participants, reiterated strong support for a peaceful, secure and stable Afghanistan while emphasizing the respect for sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity and non-interference in its internal affairs.

They expressed deep concern over the suffering of the people of Afghanistan arising from the security situation and condemned the terrorist attacks in Kunduz, Kandahar and Kabul, referring to the suicide bombings carried out by the Islamic State-Khorasan in recent weeks, targeting mainly Shias.

They emphasised that Afghanistan’s territory should not be used for sheltering, training, planning or financing any terrorist acts.

The participants condemned in the strongest terms all terrorist activities and reaffirmed their firm commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, including its financing, the dismantling of terrorist infrastructure and countering radicalization, to ensure that Afghanistan would never become a safe haven for global terrorism.

Called for collective cooperation against the menace of radicalization, extremism, separatism and drug trafficking in the region.

Stressed the necessity of forming an open and truly inclusive government that represents the will of all the people of Afghanistan and has representation from all sections of their society, including major ethnopolitical forces in the country.

Inclusion of all sections of the society in the administrative and political structure is imperative for the successful national reconciliation process in the country, the joint statement said.

They also recalled the relevant UN Resolutions on Afghanistan and noted that the United Nations has a central role to play in Afghanistan and that its continued presence in the country must be preserved.

Emphasized the importance of ensuring that the fundamental rights of women, children and minority communities are not violated.

Expressed concern over the deteriorating socio-economic and humanitarian situation in Afghanistan, and underlined the need to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan.

Reiterated that humanitarian assistance should be provided in an unimpeded, direct and assured manner to Afghanistan and that the assistance is distributed within the country in a non-discriminatory manner across all sections of the Afghan society.

Reiterated commitment to provide assistance to Afghanistan to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

They reiterated the importance of their dialogue and agreed to remain engaged with each other in the future.

The National Security Advisers/Secretaries of Security Councils who participated in the meeting are as follows:

Rear Admiral Ali Shamkhani¸ Secretary, Supreme National Security Council of Iran; Karim Massimov, Chairman of National Security Committee of Kazakhstan; Marat Mukanovich Imankulov, Secretary of the Security Council of Kyrgyz Republic; Nikolai P. Patrushev, Secretary of the Security Council of Russia;, Nasrullo Rahmatjon Mahmudzoda, Secretary, Security Council of Tajikistan; Charymyrat Kakalyyevvich Amavov, Deputy Chairman of Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan; and Victor Makhmudov, Secretary of the Security Council of Uzbekistan. (SAM)