Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the main part of the meeting will be held behind closed doors.
The sixth Moscow Format consultative meeting will take place tomorrow (Friday, October 3) in Moscow with the participation of representatives from ten neighboring and regional countries, including China, Iran, and Pakistan.
The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the main part of the meeting will be held behind closed doors, with the focus on strengthening the “national reconciliation” process in Afghanistan, enhancing regional countries’ engagement with the interim government, and combating terrorism and drug trafficking.
Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said about the meeting: “The meeting’s main proceedings, to be held behind closed doors, will be opened with a welcome address by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. The discussions at the Moscow Format Consultations will focus primarily on advancing the Afghan national reconciliation process and enhancing practical cooperation between regional states and Kabul in political, economic, counter-terrorism, and anti-drug efforts.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson also added that the Russian Foreign Minister is scheduled to meet with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate, on the sidelines of the meeting to discuss key issues, including bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Kabul, and a joint statement will be issued at the conclusion of the meeting.
Meanwhile, Karen Decker, Chargé d’Affaires of the US Mission to Afghanistan, who has taken on the responsibility of leading US foreign policy towards Afghanistan, told reporters in a meeting that the US representative will not participate in the Moscow Format meeting.
Zakharova added: “On the sidelines of the event, Sergey Lavrov will hold a meeting with Amir Muttaqi to address key issues of bilateral cooperation between Moscow and Kabul.”
Hamdullah Fetrat, Deputy Spokesman of the Islamic Emirate, also expressed optimism about the holding of the Moscow Format meeting, calling it a good opportunity for expanding the Islamic Emirate’s relations with neighboring and regional countries.
Fetrat further added about the meeting: “We consider this [Moscow Format meeting] a positive development. Once again, we emphasize that the countries of the region play a good role in supporting Afghanistan, and in this way, economic prosperity and stability in the region can be ensured.”
“There are concerns we have with some of the countries participating in this meeting, and we should discuss them, especially sharing our security concerns with them,” Hewad Zazi, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.
It is worth noting that the participants in the final declaration of the fifth Moscow Format Consultative Meeting stressed the formation of an inclusive government, the fight against terrorist groups, and respect for human rights, especially women’s right to work and education in Afghanistan.