Russian and Afghan Foreign Ministers Discuss Bilateral Cooperation and Common Issues
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation and common issues during a meeting on the sidelines of the eighth Moscow Format.
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, Oct 5 (KUNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Afghan counterpart Amir Khan Muttaqi held talks today on Monday regarding the prospects for bilateral cooperation and issues of mutual interest. The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the meeting took place during a bilateral encounter on the sidelines of the eighth Moscow Format meeting, which examines developments in Afghanistan and seeks to enhance cooperation among regional countries in political, economic, and security fields. The statement quoted Lavrov as affirming that Russia will continue to provide humanitarian supplies to Afghanistan, noting that a new shipment of aid is scheduled to arrive in the capital, Kabul, within the next two months. The Russian minister stated that Moscow considers the establishment or presence of a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighboring countries unacceptable, emphasizing his country’s firm opposition to any NATO military presence in the region. The meeting is attended by representatives from Afghanistan, Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Belarus and Egypt participating as guests. (End) D.A.N./F.L.A.
