Russia hosts 6th meeting of Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan

By Elena Teslova

MOSCOW (AA) - Moscow on Friday hosted the 6th meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan at the level of special representatives and senior officials.

Afghanistan's acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi attended the meeting with representatives from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"During the meeting, the parties consolidated their support for the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent, unified and peaceful state. They expressed their readiness to provide assistance to Kabul in counter-terrorism and anti-drug operations," the ministry said.

Participants also expressed an interest in developing regional infrastructure projects with Afghanistan's participation, noting the opportunities for economic and trade exchanges, as well as investment cooperation with Kabul, the statement said.

Following the meeting, the participants issued a joint statement in which they expressed deep concern over the escalating terrorist threats in Afghanistan, emphasizing the risks posed by terrorist and separatist groups to global and regional security.

They advocated for enhanced counter-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels, as well as support for Afghanistan in combating terrorism, addressing its root causes, and eradicating it early on.

They also reaffirmed their commitment to Afghanistan's development as an independent, unified, and peaceful state, while condemning third-country attempts to establish military infrastructure in the region.

They also discussed prospects for expanding trade, economic cooperation, and investment, as well as promoting regional development in areas such as health, poverty reduction, agriculture, and disaster prevention.

The joint statement reaffirmed humanitarian support for Afghanistan and urged the international community to increase emergency aid without politicization.

They also encouraged Afghan authorities to implement inclusive governance that respects the rights of all citizens, including women and ethnic minorities, while creating conditions to prevent further migration and facilitate refugee return.

The participants in the Moscow format meeting also expressed gratitude to regional nations like Iran and Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees.

Finally, the parties called for those responsible for Afghanistan’s current situation to fulfill their obligations in supporting the country's economic recovery and long-term development.

The Moscow format was established in 2017 to address the situation in Afghanistan, and it includes China, Pakistan, Iran, India, Afghanistan, and other regional countries.