Beijing/New Delhi: China today said it is not attending the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan due to “scheduling reasons”.
The Chinese foreign office stated today that Beijing had notified India in reply about its inability to attend the meeting. It may be mentioned that besides China, Pakistan too was invited to attend the meeting but Islamabad too declined to participate.
The Dialogue will be held at the level of National Security Advisers / Secretaries of Security Councils and will be chaired by National Security Adviser, Ajit Doval. National security advisers of Russia, Iran and five Central Asian countries are attending the meeting due tomorrow, November 10, 2021 in New Delhi.
The first two editions of the Dialogue were hosted by the Islamic Republic of Iran in 2018 and 2019.
According to the Indian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Delhi Regional Security Dialogue on Afghanistan will witness an expanded participation of Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, who will all be represented by their respective National Security Advisers / Secretaries of the Security Councils.
The high level Dialogue will review the security situation in the region arising from recent developments in Afghanistan. It will deliberate upon measures to address the relevant security challenges and support the people of Afghanistan in promoting peace, security and stability.
India has traditionally enjoyed close and friendly ties with the people of Afghanistan and has called for a unified international response to address the security and humanitarian challenges facing Afghanistan. The forthcoming meeting is a step in that direction.
– global bihari bureau
