Fourth Doha Process Counter-Narcotics Working Group Meeting Held in Kabul

The fourth meeting of the Counter-Narcotics Working Group under the Doha Process was held in Kabul, hosted by UNAMA. Representatives from the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, the United Nations, international organizations, the European Union, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and diplomats from other countries participated in person and online.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the meeting highlighted that poppy cultivation has been reduced to near zero following a decree by the leader of the Islamic Emirate. Officials emphasized that the fight against narcotics serves the interests of Afghanistan, the region and the world, and requires joint cooperation and investment to sustain these gains.

Islamic Emirate officials expressed concern about synthetic drugs, noting that sources of raw materials for these substances are located outside Afghanistan's borders. "If this is not prevented, not only Afghanistan but the region and the entire world will be affected," the statement quoted them as saying. Concerns were also raised about the spread of industrial drugs believed to originate outside the country.

UNAMA and international organizations stressed support for farmers through alternative livelihoods, expanded treatment programs and reintegration of drug addicts into society.

The statement said many countries and organizations pledged cooperation and assistance, proposing greater coordination within the Doha Process framework as well as on a bilateral basis.

University lecturer Naqibullah Noori stated: "Instead of criticism and alarming reports about drug trafficking from Afghanistan, the United Nations and countries around the world should turn toward supporting farmers, the private sector, and cooperating with the current government. In this way, both the people of Afghanistan and the world can effectively combat this phenomenon (drugs)."

The meeting follows a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime assessment two days earlier stating that patterns of drug use are changing and consumption of synthetic drugs is rising.