Russian and French Presidents Vladimir Putin and Emmanuel Macron discussed the situation in Afghanistan on Thursday, noting the importance of solving humanitarian problems, the Kremlin press service reported following a telephone conversation between the leaders.
"The situation in Afghanistan after the Taliban (banned in the Russian Federation) came to power was discussed in detail. Both sides noted the importance of ensuring the security of civilians and solving urgent humanitarian tasks," the Kremlin said in a statement.
The Kremlin noted that during the conversation Putin and Macron expressed their "willingness to contribute through joint efforts, including within the framework of the UN Security Council and the Group of Twenty, to the establishment of peace and stability in Afghanistan."
On the Iran nuclear deal
The presidents of Russia and France spoke in favor of continuing negotiations on the Iranian nuclear deal, the Kremlin said.
"The situation around the Iranian nuclear program was touched upon. The leaders spoke in favor of continuing negotiations to resume implementation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, which is a weighty factor in nuclear nonproliferation," the statement said.
Negotiations between Iran and the international "five" (Russia, Britain, China, France and Germany) on the problem of restoring the Iranian nuclear agreement in its original form have been held in Vienna since April. The parties are discussing the removal of US sanctions against Iran, the fulfillment of Iran's nuclear obligations, and the return of the US to the deal. Representatives of the states participating in the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action are also holding separate consultations with the US delegation without Iranian participation. Initially, the delegations expected to conclude their work in late May and then in early June.
On the situation in Karabakh
Putin and Macron are determined to continue working together to resolve the situation in Nagorno-Karabakh, primarily within the framework of the OSCE Minsk Group, the Kremlin said.
According to the press service, the Russian president, at the request of his French counterpart, told him about the implementation of the trilateral statements of Russia, Azerbaijan and Armenia on Nagorno-Karabakh of November 9, 2020, and January 11, 2021.
"It is stated that the situation in the region is generally stable, steps are being taken to restore economic and transport links in the South Caucasus and to meet the humanitarian needs of the population. The sides expressed their mutual intention to continue joint work on various aspects of the Nagorno-Karabakh settlement, first of all, in the OSCE Minsk Group," the Kremlin said in a statement.
In addition, Putin and Macron discussed a number of other regional subjects, including those related to the African continent, during their telephone conversation, the press service said.
"It is agreed to continue personal contacts," the Kremlin added.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS