MALAYSIA and the Kyrgyz Republic have issued a joint call for the international community to make greater efforts to reintegrate Afghanistan, while acknowledging that certain conditions and observations must be maintained.
Speaking at a joint press conference with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stated that both countries agreed on the importance of engaging with Afghanistan, despite its complex political context.
“I share your views on that, because as a country closer to Afghanistan, you (Kyrgyz Republic) have a better understanding, and we will certainly benefit from your advice and views on this,” Bernama quoted Abnwar saying.
The Taliban returned to power in August 2021 following the rapid fall of the US-backed Afghan government and the withdrawal of American and NATO forces. While their return raised widespread concerns due to their prior record of governance, full international sanctions have not been imposed, largely to avoid exacerbating Afghanistan’s humanitarian crisis.
Millions of Afghans continue to face food insecurity and economic hardship. In response, some governments and aid agencies have maintained limited engagement with the Taliban regime to facilitate humanitarian assistance.
In March, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) chief, Roza Otunbayeva, told the UN Security Council that the Taliban must demonstrate clear respect for international obligations, including women’s rights and counter-terrorism measures, if Afghanistan is to regain full standing in the global system.
Turning to the Middle East, both leaders expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
“We want Israel to stop this aggression, colonisation, and genocide and to provide security and justice to the people of Gaza who have suffered so long,” said Anwar.
“They continue to suffer because of the failure of the international community to observe basic human rights, and the contradiction and hypocrisy in many of the Western countries when it comes to atrocities inflicted upon the people of Palestine and Gaza.”
Anwar and Zhaparov also expressed support for Iran’s right to respond to Israeli aggression, stating that any peace settlement in the region must be just and ensure the security of Arab and Middle Eastern nations.
Additionally, Anwar revealed that he had received a personal message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, expressing support for a ceasefire and urging Muslim nations to unite in condemning the continued Israeli aggression. - June 25, 2025
