Statement by the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome in Response to H.E. Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy’s Yesterday Remarks in a Press Conference to Hold a G20 Extraordinary Summit on Afghanistan on October 12^th.

30 September 2021

The Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Rome welcomes yesterday’s remarks of H.E. Mario Draghi, Prime Minister of the Republic of Italy, during a joint press conference with H.E. Daniele Franco, Minister of Economy and Finance, to hold a G20 extraordinary virtual summit on October 12^th, to address the crisis in Afghanistan. The firm stance of our fraternal country – the Republic of Italy – in not recognizing the so-called caretaker government of the Taliban in Afghanistan, with a cabinet that consists of “17 terrorists”, and an executive board that has already failed to uphold their commitments in legitimate transfer of power, forming an inclusive government, protecting human rights – including of children, women, and minorities – and providing unhindered access for the United Nations and other agencies to provide humanitarian assistance, is valuable and highly appreciated.

The Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is looking forward to the October 12^th G20 extraordinary forum of the world’s major economies, particularly Italy which currently holds the rotating presidency of the G-20, to kindly assist the Afghan people amid the current challenges of terrorism, drought, malnutrition, food insecurity, and displacement the country faces. The government is further seeking the support of the G20 members, especially the Republic of Italy, in forming a true inclusive interim government in Afghanistan, which will lead to the establishment of a government that is united, inclusive, and representative with the full, equal, and meaningful participation of women and all other ethnic minorities.

Once again, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan places great emphasis on the important role of Italy on Afghanistan issues and calls for continued cooperation between the two constitutionally legitimate Republics – Islamic Republic of Afghanistan and Republic of Italy – to realize the common national and international aspiration. At this critical juncture, the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan wants to strengthen the common understanding of the situation and the effectiveness of cooperation between the two countries by seeking Italy’s further support and assistance with the people of Afghanistan.