Russia Regrets Absence of Final Document from Moscow Format Meeting on Afghanistan
Moscow, Oct 6 (KUNA) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed regret on Tuesday over the failure to issue a final document following the eighth meeting of the “Moscow Format” consultations on Afghanistan, but stressed that this “does not constitute a catastrophe” and that his country would continue its efforts to support a political settlement and encourage dialogue among the relevant parties.
Speaking at a joint press conference with East Timor’s Foreign Minister Bendito Freitas in Moscow, Lavrov said Russia would continue working to support the political process in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of maintaining communications and dialogue on issues related to the situation in the country. He added that Afghanistan and Pakistan are “certainly interested” in normalizing their relations, noting that Moscow is assisting in addressing existing and emerging problems between the two countries.
Moscow hosted the eighth meeting of the “Moscow Format” consultations on Afghanistan on Monday, with representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, as well as Belarus and Egypt attending as guests.
In a separate context, Lavrov stated that Russia and several member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are concerned about “Western attempts to create limited-membership blocs in Asia,” reiterating the need to resolve international and regional crises through dialogue and political settlements.
On the Ukraine issue, Lavrov said he had briefed Freitas on developments related to the crisis, stressing the necessity of reaching a “reliable” settlement by addressing all its root causes.
Regarding the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Lavrov said NATO leadership had previously assured Moscow that there were no plans to attack Russia, citing similar assurances from NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte and the U.S. Representative to NATO, Matthew Whitaker. He added that Moscow is monitoring with “maximum vigilance” reports circulating about NATO preparing a war plan against Russia, noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin had clarified the nature of Russia’s response in the event of an attack on the Kaliningrad region or any other Russian territory.
In the context of bilateral relations, Lavrov welcomed East Timor’s plans to open an embassy in Moscow, affirming Russia’s readiness to support this step. He also pointed to mutual willingness to work on investment projects in several sectors, including energy, mineral resource extraction, tourism, and fisheries, as well as the readiness of Russian companies to increase energy resource supplies to East Timor.
East Timor’s Foreign Minister began an official visit to Moscow on Sunday to hold talks with Russian officials on ways to develop bilateral relations and cooperation in trade, economic, and humanitarian fields, as well as to discuss various international and regional issues of mutual interest.
East Timor gained ASEAN membership in 2025, becoming the association’s 11th member, thereby providing Russia with additional scope to enhance cooperation with the country within the framework of its relations with Southeast Asian nations.
Russia and East Timor are scheduled to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries next year. (End) D.A.N./M.A.A.
