Russian Foreign Ministry Says No Alternative to Equality-Based Partnership with Afghanistan
Quick Look
The Russian Foreign Ministry stated there is no alternative to pursuing equality-based partnership with Kabul and integrating Afghanistan into the international economic system following the eighth Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan, attended by envoys from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with guest participation from Belarus and Egypt.
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Why It Matters
The Moscow format is a multilateral platform for regional coordination on Afghan issues, established to promote practical approaches to Afghanistan's challenges through dialogue among neighboring countries and stakeholders.
MOSCOW, October 5. /TASS/. There is no alternative to the course toward equality-based partnership with Kabul and its integration into the international economic system, the Russian Foreign Ministry said after the eighth meeting of the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan that was held in Moscow.
"Participants in the meeting reaffirmed that there is no alternative to the course toward building equality-based mutually beneficial cooperation with Kabul and integrating Afghanistan into the system of international economic ties," it said.
Participants "once again called on the international community to ensure regular humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and stressed the inadmissibility of its politicization," it noted.
According to the ministry, the Moscow format is an "authoritative multilateral platform where countries of the region coordinate their practical approaches to the Afghani problems."
The Moscow meeting was attended by special envoys and senior officials from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.
The Afghan delegation was led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Delegations from Belarus and Egypt took part in the meeting as guests. The meeting was opened by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
"Lavrov held a separate meeting with Muttaqi on the sidelines of the event. The two top diplomats discussed prospects for the development of bilateral cooperation and cooperation within international and regional formats," the ministry added.
What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Continued Moscow format meetings will proceed to coordinate regional approaches on Afghanistan.
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific economic integration measures were discussed?
- How will humanitarian aid delivery be ensured without politicization?
- What bilateral cooperation prospects were discussed between Lavrov and Muttaqi?
