Afghan FM Muttiqi's Moscow Visit Highlights Regional Cooperation

Moscow, Oct 3 (PTI) – Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is set to arrive in Moscow next week to participate in a crucial meeting concerning Afghanistan's reconciliation and regional cooperation, according to the announcement from the Russian Foreign Ministry. Muttaqi will also engage in one-on-one discussions with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during the event's sidelines.

In a routine briefing this Thursday, Maria Zakharova, the spokeswoman for the Russian Foreign Ministry, confirmed that the seventh iteration of the Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan will convene in Moscow on October 7. This gathering will feature special representatives and high-ranking officials from a variety of countries including Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Additionally, a delegation from Belarus has been extended a guest invitation.

Zakharova noted that Foreign Minister Muttaqi will lead Afghanistan's representation at the meeting and is expected to hold a separate dialogue with Foreign Minister Lavrov. The discussion is set to be inaugurated by Lavrov himself, underlining its significance.

During this closed-door meeting, the focus will be on the advancement of Afghan national reconciliation efforts and strengthening collaborative engagements between regional nations and Kabul, spanning political, economic, counter-terrorism, and anti-drug initiatives. A joint statement is anticipated to be released at the meeting's conclusion.

Moreover, Muttaqi, whose recent UN travel-ban waiver has facilitated this journey, is also expected to make a trip to India during the following week, as reported by media outlets.