Representatives from China, Pakistan, Iran, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan met in Tunxi in eastern China to discuss the future of Taliban-ruled Afghanistan.

Peace in the region is critical for the success of major Chinese projects including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. President Xi Jinping sent a message to the group urging cooperation stating, “Afghanistan’s neighbors should do their best to build consensus and coordinate with each other to support the Afghan people in creating a bright future.”

Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan last August, it has not been recognized by any country. Afghan assets also remain frozen contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis. The United Nations is now seeking $4.4 billion in aid. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says it’s “the world’s largest appeal for a single country.” 

Joining the discussion:

•  Sayed Fahim Sadat is the Head of the Department of Masters in International Relations at Kardan University.
• Anton Fedyashin is a Professor of History at American University. 
• Ahmad Shah Mohibi is the Founder and President of Rise to Peace.
• Victor Gao is the Chair Professor at Soochow University.

For more:

China said it would deepen three-way cooperation with #Afghanistan and #Pakistan as the Foreign Ministers of the three countries met in eastern #China.https://t.co/cG69pEoeCq

— The Hindu (@the_hindu) March 31, 2022

The humanitarian situation in Afghanistan has deteriorated alarmingly in past months.

9 million people are at risk of famine. The economy has effectively collapsed.

I call on donors to fund our appeal urgently so that the UN & partners can continue to deliver lifesaving aid.

— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) March 31, 2022

The hunger crisis in #Afghanistan continues.

Over half the population needs emergency food assistance & 3 million children are at risk of acute malnutrition.

WFP has now reached 14 million Afghans this year, but funding is still needed to reach all those who require assistance. pic.twitter.com/FxU94JCRdU

— World Food Programme (@WFP) March 31, 2022