Pakistan on Monday called for sustained regional dialogue and cooperation to address common security and economic challenges linked to Afghanistan as the eighth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan began in the Russian capital.
The consultations brought together representatives from Afghanistan and regional countries to discuss Afghanistan’s evolving political, security and economic situation, with counterterrorism, regional connectivity and continued engagement with Kabul among the key areas under discussion.
Pakistan is represented by a high-level delegation led by Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Special Representative for Afghanistan. The delegation includes Pakistan’s Ambassador to Russia Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, Ambassador to Afghanistan Ubaid-ur-Rehman Nizamani and other senior officials.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov attended the inaugural session and addressed the participating delegations. Representatives from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are taking part, while Belarus and Egypt have been invited as guests.
Pakistan reiterated its position that peace and stability in Afghanistan are essential for regional security and prosperity. Islamabad also stressed the importance of sustained regional engagement to address shared security and economic challenges.
Counterterrorism remains a key focus of the consultations, alongside economic cooperation and connectivity. The meeting is also taking place against the backdrop of heightened tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, with Moscow having indicated its readiness to facilitate efforts toward resolving differences between the two neighbors.
The eighth Moscow Format meeting provides a regional platform for consultations on Afghanistan, bringing together countries directly affected by developments in the country and offering an avenue for dialogue on security, political and economic issues.
The Russian Foreign Ministry has said the participants are also expected to focus on strengthening regional counterterrorism and counter-narcotics cooperation, with a joint statement expected at the conclusion of the meeting.
