Pakistan is set to host the US and the Taliban to discuss the Afghan crisis currently unfolding. China and Russia will also attend the talks scheduled for Thursday in Islamabad.
Termed as the Troika plus, the meeting will be chaired by Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusuf.
Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the new Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will lead the delegation. Pakistani officials also confirmed the news.
Read more: Taliban name 44 governors, police chiefs around Afghanistan
Before the meeting, Muttaqi will hold bilateral talks with counterparts in Islamabad. The delegation will discuss enhancing ties, economy, transit, refugees, and expanding facilities for the movement of people.
A senior delegation led by FM Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi will travel to Pakistan on Nov 10.
Delegation will discuss enhancing ties, economy, transit, refugees & expanding facilities for movement of people, & will include Ministers & working groups from Finance & Trade Ministries. pic.twitter.com/FzF3eKWp9Q— Abdul Qahar Balkhi (@QaharBalkhi) November 9, 2021
Moreover, newly-appointed US Special Representative for Afghanistan Thomas West and his Russian, Chinese and Pakistani counterparts will lead their respective delegations at the talks.
Pertinent to note, Russia hosted the last Troika plus meeting, however, the US did not attend it on account of “logistical reasons.” Furthermore, China also recently refused to attend the Afghan Summit hosted by India today, citing “scheduling reasons.” However, both the countries are attending the meeting hosted by Pakistan.
Read more: After Pakistan, China says no to Afghan summit hosted by India
The Afghan humanitarian crisis
A news report published by BBC revealed that Afghanistan is on the verge of an intense food crisis with winter looming and several areas already reporting droughts.
The report states that ninety-five percent of the people don’t have enough food. Around 23 million Afghans will suffer from starvationand.
Moreover, Western countries cut off aid to Afghanistan. They also blocked the Taliban’s access to Afghan foreign assets of nearly $10 billion, largely held in the United States.
As a result, with no money for sustenance, the Afghan economy is deteriorating. The Taliban also on several occasions voiced their desire to normalize relations with the international community so that they can provide aid.
Read more: Taliban urge US to show humanity, thank world for aid