Russia Supports UNAMA Mandate Extension, Calls for Dialogue with Taliban

Russia's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations voiced support for a one-year extension of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan mandate during a Security Council meeting.

The envoy said resolving Afghanistan's issues requires a realistic approach and continuous dialogue with the Taliban, adding that no alternative exists for coordinating humanitarian aid. She welcomed China's role in drafting the resolution and stressed that UNAMA's structure and areas of work must remain unchanged.

The representative called for any strategic review of the mission to rely on objective analysis conducted in coordination with Afghan authorities, with emphasis on capacity building, humanitarian assistance, and economic development. She said the resolution sends a clear message of international commitment to Afghanistan's peace and stability.

The envoy rejected efforts to convert UNAMA into a monitoring mechanism serving Western interests, warning that such moves could jeopardize the UN presence in the country. She also noted the importance of promoting Afghanistan's self-sufficiency and economic growth.

The resolution supports the goal of building a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan free of terrorism and narcotics.