Afghanistan’s Vital Talks on Drug Control and Economy Shift to Online Format Due to Qatar Delays
High-level discussions on Afghanistan’s drug control and economic challenges, originally scheduled to take place in Qatar, have now moved to a virtual format. Sources close to the talks stated that the shift occurred due to delays in Qatar’s preparedness to host the meeting. The discussions were set for February 12 and 13 as part of the Doha process, a diplomatic initiative aimed at addressing Afghanistan’s pressing security and economic issues.
The online talks are crucial for shaping Afghanistan’s future, as they involve key international players and organizations such as the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), Iran, Russia, the United States, the European Union, China, South Korea, and the Taliban.
This marks the second time that drug control discussions under the Doha framework have been held virtually. The first such virtual session occurred in December 2024, highlighting the ongoing importance of collaboration in combating Afghanistan’s drug-related issues. The delay also sheds light on the logistical challenges that often accompany high-stakes international meetings.
During the previous meeting, diplomatic tensions emerged between Iranian and Russian representatives and their Western counterparts. Despite these differences, Pakistan reiterated its commitment to aiding Afghanistan in its efforts to combat drug trafficking, a significant issue for the region.
The Doha process continues to be a pivotal avenue for international dialogue, focusing on both Afghanistan’s immediate economic stabilization and its longer-term goals of drug eradication and governance reform.
This unexpected online transition has sparked a renewed focus on how Afghanistan can balance international cooperation and internal development, especially under the present Taliban-led government. As these talks continue virtually, the world will be watching closely to see what tangible outcomes emerge from this new format.
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