His Excellency Massoud Ahmad Azizi, invited a large number of foreign diplomatic representatives and Afghan businessmen to an Iftar gathering at the Capital Club in Dubai. During the meeting, Mr. Azizi spoke about the importance of the holy month of Ramadan - the month of prayer and abstinence, tolerance and forgiveness - and explained to the audience the current situation in Afghanistan, the position of the Afghan government during the peace process, and the withdrawal of international troops. He condemned the brutal killing of innocent civilians by terrorist groups, especially during Ramadan, calling it a genocide. He also thanked the representatives of other nations present at the meeting for their solidarity with Afghanistan and encouraged them to take faster steps in the Afghan peace process. He also referred to huge investment potentials in the country. Later, participants had the opportunity to exchange views and watch a small exhibition of Afghan products.

Joint statement adopted at the conclusion of the Trilateral Meeting of the Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, the Republic of Turkey, and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

(Istanbul, 23 April 2021)

His Excellency Melvut Cavusoglu, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey, His Excellency Mohammed Hanif Atmar, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, and His Excellency Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan held a Trilateral Meeting in Istanbul, on 23 April 2021.

On the occasion of the Trilateral Meeting, the three Foreign Ministers,

Reiterated their commitment to support a peaceful, sovereign, independent, democratic, and unified Afghanistan,

Recognized that a sustainable peace can be achieved only through an inclusive Afghan-led and Afghan-owned political process that aims at a permanent and comprehensive ceasefire along with an inclusive political settlement to end the conflict in Afghanistan,

Emphasized their support to the Afghanistan Peace Process and the ongoing Afghanistan Peace Negotiations in Doha for the achievement of a just and durable political settlement,

Recognized the efforts of Turkey, Qatar and the UN to hold a high-level meeting in Istanbul aimed at giving momentum to the ongoing Afghanistan Peace Negotiations,

Recalled that the Istanbul Conference had been postponed after extensive discussions with all relevant parties with a view to holding the Conference when conditions for making meaningful progress would be more favorable, therefore called on all parties, in particular the Taliban to reaffirm their commitment for achieving an inclusive negotiated settlement leading to lasting peace in Afghanistan desired by the Afghan people, the region and the international community,

Deplored the continuing high level of violence in Afghanistan, specially regretted the high number of civilian casualties and particularly condemned attacks targeting targeting civil service employees, civil society activists, human rights defenders, journalists, and media workers,

Emphasized the urgent need for any immediate ceasefire both to end the existing high level of violence and to provide a conducive atmosphere for the peace talks,

Recognized the importance of the Heart of Asia-Istanbul Process (HoA-IP) as a substantial platform that contributes to regional stability in fields of ranging from political and security cooperation to economic integration,

Reiterated their common resolve to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations,

Acknowledged the role of the regional and neighboring countries, in particular Pakistan and Iran in hosting Afghan refugees for more than four decades and called for creating conducive conditions in Afghanistan for their voluntary, safe, dignified, expeditious and sustainable repatriation through a well-resourced plan,

Urged international community to continue to assist host countries in taking care of the essential needs of Afghan refugees and to provide support to the repatriation and reintegration efforts of the government of Afghanistan,

Expressed their determination to enhance cooperation on regional connectivity is transport, trade, energy, people-to-people contacts, education, social and cultural exchange, tourism,

Discussed the far-reaching implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on economic growth and public health, agreed to exchange information, research, expertise and best practices, and called for enhanced international cooperation and solidarity to effectively address the challenge, keeping in view financial and capacity limitations of developing countries,

Recognizing the contribution of the Trilateral Summit Process to regional dialogue and cooperation, agreed on planning for the revitalization of the said Process in order to deepen bilateral as well as trilateral cooperation among the three countries to address common security threats and work on existing regional economic opportunities,

His Excellency Mohammed Hanif Atmar, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic Afghanistan and His Excellency Makhdoom Shah Mohammad Qureshi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan conveyed their thanks to His Excellency Mevlut Cavusoglu, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Turkey and to the Government and brotherly people of Turkey for hosting the Trilateral Meeting.

H.H. Consul General Masood Ahmad Azizi was invited by the Radio BIG FM 106.2 in Dubai for an interview. Answering live questions on air he highlighted the bilateral friendly ties with the UAE, considering it a great strategic partner and even the second home for many Afghans. "UAE was one of the first countries that outreached Afghanistan under Covide-19", he went on to say. He also mentioned about the range of activities performed by the Afghan Consulate in Dubai and northern Emirates, playing the role of a bridge between the two nations, encouraging bilateral trade and investment. He appreciated the opportunities provided by the UAE government to Afghans for work and businesses and offered the unique business opportunities for foreigners to invest in energy, national resources, and young generation in Afghanistan. He also touched upon the rich cultural heritage and tradition of his country as part of its identity over its long history. Consequently, he expressed his intention to open a joint culture center and radio in Dubai.

Afghan Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs Dr. Mohammad Qasim Halimi, held a meeting with the UAE-based Afghan religious scholars in Dubai. Speaking to the guests the Minister stressed on the important role played by the religious scholars in maintaining peace and security in Afghanistan. The Afghan Consulate General Masood Ahmad Azizi also welcomed the guests and took note of their suggestions and advice as important. He said to hold regular such meetings in the future to keep in touch and respond to these suggestions and to address their concerns.

The Consul General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Dubai Mr. Masood Ahmad Azizi, met with the President of Al-Qasimiya University Mr. Awad Khalaf in his office. During the meeting, Mr. Masood Ahmad Azizi thanked Al-Qasimiya University for providing free higher education to Afghans in Sharjah. He also mentioned the opening of Al-Qasimiya University in Kabul. Mr Khalaf said he would share the request with his superiors. Mr. Massoud Ahmad Azizi called on the President of Al-Qasimiya University to increase the number of scholarships available to Afghans. Mr. Awad Khalaf said that with the end of the Corona virus situation, God willing, more Afghans will be able to pursue higher education for free. In addition, Mr. Massoud Ahmad Azizi asked Mr. Awad Khalaf to pave the way for the training of Afghan Imams at Al-Qasimiya University. He reminded the President of Al-Qasimiya University to strengthen the coordination with the Consulate General of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan in Dubai and Al-Qasimiya University for further cooperation.

A meeting was held by His Excellency Masoud Azizi, General Consul of Afghanistan in Dubai and Sheikh Fahim AlQasimi, Head of the Government Relations Department in Sharjah.. For cultural and economic cooperation, investment and supporting Afghans inside the UAE and in Afghanistan, facilitating visa procedures, increasing Afghan employment, scholarships for Afghan students, supporting digital education , exchanging cultures And working on providing Afghan digital media platform.

His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktourm visiting H.E. Masood Ahmad Azizi, Consul General to support the agreement of cooperation

Afghan Consulate General H.E. Masood Ahmad Azizi signed an agreement of cooperation with Mr. Sami Jamal Al Sawalhi, head of the Advocates & Legal Advisors law firm, offering pro bono legal services to those Afghan residents who can’t afford to claim their rights. Special thanks go to His Highness Sheikh Juma Bin Maktoum Al Maktourm who came personally to support the initiative.

• Encourage the commercial and industrial institutions of Sharjah Emirate to invest in Afghanistan in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, mining and energy;
• Provide communication and cooperation with first-hand Afghan businessmen;
• Shurooq to commit to address queries and problems arising in the business administrative stages, and to facilitate businesses for Afghans residing in Sharjah.

H.E. Consul General of Pakistan visiting H.E. Masood Ahmad Azizi, Consul General

H.E. Consulate General of India, visiting H.E. Masood Ahmad Azizi, Consul General

H.E. Consulate General of Philippines visiting H.E. Masood Ahmad Azizi, Consul General