Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed concern over the growing involvement of non-regional actors in Afghanistan during his message to participants of consultations on Afghanistan. The message was delivered by Zamir Kabulov, Russia's Special Representative for Afghanistan.
"We are concerned about the attempts of extra-regional players to intensify their engagement in the Afghan region," his message reads.
In his message, Lavrov emphasized that any meaningful collaboration between regional nations and NATO member states "can only be achieved if the latter fully acknowledge their substantial responsibility for the dismal outcomes resulting from their 20-year military presence in Afghanistan, which ultimately culminated in a comprehensive failure."
Lavrov further stressed, "The Western countries, which inflicted irreparable damage on the Afghan people, must bear the primary responsibility for the post-conflict reconstruction of the country." He specifically pointed out that Washington's decision to freeze Afghan bank holdings is counterproductive, exacerbating the situation and exacerbating the already challenging living conditions for ordinary Afghans.
Addressing concerns about the return of US and NATO military infrastructure to Afghanistan and neighboring countries, Lavrov categorically stated Russia's opposition to such a move. He asserted, "Under no circumstances do we find the return of US and NATO military infrastructure to Afghan and neighboring territory acceptable, regardless of the pretexts cited." Lavrov emphasized Russia's commitment to remaining vigilant on this issue and called upon all partners in the Moscow format to adopt a similar stance.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Russian Foreign Ministry
Based on materials from TASS