Moscow: A pivotal meeting of the Moscow Format on Afghanistan began in the Russian capital, bringing together key regional stakeholders including Pakistan, China, Iran, India, and several Central Asian nations to discuss the future of Afghan stability and regional security.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov opened the session by welcoming the Afghan Foreign Minister and underscoring the importance of a stable Afghanistan for peace across the region. Lavrov strongly criticized Western nations for abandoning Afghanistan, stating that their withdrawal has left the Afghan people in hardship. He called for the immediate release of Afghanistan’s frozen assets held in Western banks to help alleviate the country’s economic crisis.
Pakistan is represented at the forum by Special Representative for Afghanistan Mohammad Sadiq, Chargé d’affaires in Kabul Giyan Chand, and Ambassador Ubaid Nizamani.
The summit is focused on Afghanistan’s security landscape, political stability, and the growing threat of terrorism in the region. Delegates unanimously agreed that Afghan soil must not be used for terrorist activities against any country.
Discussions also include counter-terrorism cooperation, regional collaboration, and humanitarian assistance. The Moscow Format comprises permanent members Russia, Pakistan, China, Iran, India, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan—each committed to crafting a unified strategy for peace and stability in Afghanistan.
Sources indicate that several key proposals concerning Afghanistan’s future are under review. Lavrov warned that failed Western policies continue to pose a serious threat to regional peace and security.
