Emomali Rahmon: Afghanistan is on the brink of a humanitarian disaster

The President of Tajikistan, Emomali Rahmon, stated in his speech at the 15th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) in Ashgabat that “Afghanistan is on the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe today.”

Photo: Internet

The President of Tajikistan, considering the climate of Afghanistan and the onset of winter, emphasized: “With the arrival of cold weather, the situation may worsen further, leading to mass famine.”

“We recognize the significant importance of Afghanistan as an integral link in the implementation of our joint projects and programs within the Organization in the trade-economic and transit-communication spheres,” Rahmon stated.

According to him, the further advancement of all planned initiatives in this direction largely depends on the normalization of the military-political situation and ensuring security in the country.

Rahmon also highlighted the need to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Afghanistan through UN structures and international humanitarian organizations, adding: “In our view, the resolution of the problems arising in Afghanistan dictates the necessity of the swift formation of an inclusive government in the country with the participation of all ethno-political groups.”

The Afghan government led by Ashraf Ghani fell on August 15 of this year. After the Taliban took control of Kabul, Western banks, at the direction of the United States, froze Afghanistan’s foreign assets. The country is facing a severe economic crisis, and the population is on the brink of poverty.

Previously, the Taliban and its sponsoring countries, such as Pakistan and Qatar, have repeatedly called on the United States and international organizations to unfreeze Afghanistan’s foreign assets, as these funds are needed for humanitarian assistance to the population; however, their demands have not yet been met.