Russian official: Afghan-Pakistani disputes prevent joint statement from the (Moscow Format)
Russian envoy Kapustin announces failure to adopt a joint statement due to differences between Kabul and Islamabad
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
Moscow, Oct 5 (KUNA) -- Russia’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, said on Monday that participants in the eighth meeting of the “Moscow Format” on Afghanistan failed to adopt a joint statement at the conclusion of the talks due to disagreements between the Afghan and Pakistani representatives.
Kabulov, in remarks cited by Russian media, explained that differences between Kabul and Islamabad prevented reaching a consensus on the final document. He noted that participants urged both countries to refrain from military actions against each other and to work toward resolving their differences through political means.
He added that Moscow is ready to assist in settling the dispute between Afghanistan and Pakistan if both sides request it, reaffirming Russia’s willingness to use its political channels and the “Moscow Format” platform to contribute to finding appropriate solutions to the existing disagreements.
Moscow hosted the eighth meeting of the “Moscow Format” today, with senior representatives from Afghanistan, Russia, Pakistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, along with Belarus and Egypt as guests.
Discussions focused on political and economic cooperation with Afghanistan and enhancing regional collaboration in combating terrorism and illicit drug trafficking.
In a related development, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said his country would continue providing humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, noting that a new shipment of Russian aid is expected to reach Kabul within the next two months. He also reaffirmed Moscow’s readiness to provide material, technical, and expert support to strengthen Afghanistan’s counterterrorism capabilities.
The “Moscow Format” consultations come amid rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan following rounds of clashes and reciprocal strikes along their border, particularly as Moscow considers stable relations between the two countries a key factor in enhancing regional cooperation and security. (End) D.A.N./N.S.A.
