China and Russia Urge Continued Engagement with Taliban Amid Ongoing Terrorism Concerns in Afghanistan

Representatives of United Nations Security Council expressed concern over the continued activities of terrorist groups in Afghanistan and emphasized the need for engagement with the Taliban during a recent meeting on the country’s security and political situation. Fu Cong, China’s representative to the council, stated that several groups — including Islamic State Khorasan Province, Al-Qaeda, and Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan — remain active in parts of Afghanistan and pose a serious threat to regional and global security. He urged the Taliban to establish an inclusive government and called on Western countries to increase humanitarian assistance and consider easing sanctions to help improve Afghanistan’s economic and humanitarian situation. Meanwhile, Vasily Nebenzya, Russia’s representative to the council, said that the use of pressure and warnings against the Taliban would not be effective. He stressed that continued dialogue and constructive engagement with Afghanistan’s current authorities are necessary for the country’s reintegration into the international community. Nebenzya added that political and economic pressure could further worsen the situation for the Afghan people and called on the international community to pursue solutions based on cooperation and engagement to promote stability and improve conditions in Afghanistan.