UNSC Meeting Highlights Afghanistan’s Economy najibullah.lalzoy Thu, 09/17/2026 - 16:41 Author Lailuma Qadiri Business At a UN Security Council meeting, Afghanistan’s economic situation and ways to support the country’s development were among the key issues highlighted in the remarks by countries’ representatives. UNAMA’s officer-in-charge said that despite maintaining a degree of macroeconomic stability, Afghanistan has yet to achieve economic recovery, while per capita income has declined by 5.6%. Georgette Gagnon added that declining foreign assistance has increased Afghanistan’s need for humanitarian aid, while nearly 1.2 million Afghans have returned from Pakistan and Iran this year. She warned that without sustained support for returnees and host communities, pressure on limited resources could increase humanitarian needs and displacement. Georgette Gagnon, officer-in-charge of UNAMA, said: “The 2026 humanitarian plan is only 30% funded. Funding cuts have led to the closure or scaling back of health facilities, nutrition centers, women’s protection services and other essential programs.” China and Russia also emphasized support for Afghanistan’s economic development and strengthening the country’s economic and trade capacities. China called for the resumption and increase of foreign assistance, the lifting of unilateral sanctions, and the release of Afghanistan’s central bank assets held abroad. Russia also stressed collective support from the international community and the strengthening of Afghanistan’s trade and economic capacities. Sun Lei, China’s deputy representative to the United Nations, said: “The countries concerned should genuinely fulfill their historical responsibilities, immediately resume assistance to Afghanistan, lift unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan, and return the assets of Afghanistan’s central bank held abroad so that the necessary resources can be provided for Afghanistan’s reconstruction and development.” Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s representative to the Security Council, said: “Russia is interested in strengthening Afghanistan’s trade and economic capacities and expanding dialogue with Afghanistan’s business community through specialized forums organized by Russia.” Meanwhile, Afghanistan’s Ministry of Economy welcomed the support expressed by Security Council member states for Afghanistan’s economy during the meeting. Abdul Latif Nazari, the ministry’s professional deputy, said: “The Security Council meeting on Afghanistan was generally positive, and various countries called for the release of the people’s assets and economic cooperation with Afghanistan. We appreciate the cooperation of all countries and want them to pursue a policy of engagement with Afghanistan.” India and Iran also emphasized expanding economic and trade cooperation with Afghanistan and increasing bilateral trade. Both countries stressed strengthening economic ties and creating opportunities to increase trade engagement and investment with Afghanistan.
Source: TOLOnews · https://tolonews.com/fa/business-200869