Dozens of nations are calling on all involved in events in Afghanistan to respect and facilitate the departure of foreign nationals and Afghans who wish to leave the country.
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The United States and more than 60 other nations, including Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Qatar and the United Kingdom, released a joint statement on Sunday night citing "the deteriorating security situation" in Afghanistan.
The statement released by the US State Department said those in power and authority across the country "bear responsibility - and accountability - for the protection of human life and property, and for the immediate restoration of security and civil order".
The nations' statement said roads, airports and border crossings must remain open, and calm must be maintained.
"The Afghan people deserve to live in safety, security and dignity. We in the international community stand ready to assist them," the statement said.
The Taliban declared the war in Afghanistan was over after insurgents took control of the presidential palace in Kabul as US-led forces departed and Western nations scrambled on Monday to evacuate thousands of their citizens.
Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Twitter "the United States joins the international community in affirming that Afghans and international citizens who wish to depart must be allowed to do so. Roads, airports, and border crossing must remain open, and calm must be maintained."
Other countries signing the joint statement include Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, Greece, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain, Sweden, Ukraine and Yemen as well as the high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy.
AP with Reuters
Australian Associated Press
