Lavrov: Kabul and Islamabad both want to normalise ties

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov says he has no doubt that both Afghanistan and Pakistan want to normalise relations, despite a dispute between the two neighbours that blocked a joint declaration at the latest regional talks on Afghanistan in Moscow.

Speaking at a news conference in Moscow on Tuesday, Lavrov called the failure to adopt a final document at the eighth Moscow Format meeting "unpleasant", but said it should not be treated as a tragedy because the roots of the tension had been foreseeable. He said Russia would keep trying to help resolve existing and emerging problems between Kabul and Islamabad.

Lavrov blamed the strains largely on Islamic State (Daesh) and affiliated groups, which he said carry out attacks in both countries, and urged countries from outside the region to stop interfering in its affairs.

Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president's special envoy for Afghanistan, said earlier that ا.ا.ا delegation had objected to what it considered excessive references to Afghanistan in connection with terrorism in the draft text. He said similar language had been included in last year's statement, but ا.ا.ا argued that relations with Pakistan had changed since then. Russian officials said the Moscow Format would continue its work regardless.

The meeting, held on 5 October, brought together Russia, Pakistan, Iran, India, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Belarus and Egypt attending as guests.

On the sidelines of the talks, ا.ا.ا Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met China's special envoy for Afghanistan, Yue Xiaoyong. According to ا.ا.ا foreign ministry, the two discussed bilateral ties and the regional situation, and Yue stressed joint efforts for regional stability and Afghanistan's economic and regional connectivity.

Source: Ariana News, Khaama Press, Afghanistan International, Pajhwok Afghan News