Efforts by Central Asian states to engage with Afghanistan are getting a boost from the United Nations. A recently adopted UN resolution cites “the crucial importance of advancing constructive and sustainable regional cooperation” in promoting Afghanistan’s stabilization.
The resolution was adopted July 7 by a 116-2 vote with 12 abstentions. The United States and Israel were the lone opposing votes. All five Central Asian states voted in favor, while Russia, China and Iran abstained.
While calling for greater international engagement to address dire humanitarian and economic development needs in Afghanistan, the resolution takes the Taliban government to task over its “systematic and widespread oppression of women” and its tolerance of “the presence of terrorist groups” in the country. It also calls on the Taliban to foster an “inclusive and representative government” that can “adhere to international law, comply with its international obligations” and fulfill its treaty commitments.
The UN measure tacitly endorses recent Central Asian steps to expand trade links with Afghanistan, as well as diplomatically engage on issues of mutual concern, including the management of dwindling water resources. The resolution describes Afghanistan as a “land bridge in Asia,” going on to recognize that “regional economic cooperation plays an important role in achieving stability and development in Afghanistan,” while at the same time broadening trade possibilities for Central Asian states.
The resolution also lauds the “formalization” of a UN regional center for sustainable development goals for Central Asia and Afghanistan. The center is expected to play an “important role” in coordinating regional development projects among “all relevant stakeholders.”
