Direct contacts with the Taliban (banned in Russia) within the framework of the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan are aimed at a better understanding of the situation in the republic and the Taliban's plans for the future, Russian presidential spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters on Wednesday.
He recalled that de jure the Taliban interim government is not recognized by world powers, including Russia, "but de facto the Taliban is the leadership of Afghanistan."
"You know, the so-called Moscow format is taking place in Moscow today, and direct contacts are just aimed at getting a better understanding of what is going on in this state, what the Taliban's intentions are, their main line and their plans for the medium and long term," Peskov explained.
According to him, the situation in Afghanistan is extremely important for Russia, its neighbors and allies in various alliances, that's why "de facto communication with the Taliban is taking place." He noted that "all countries are interested in understanding the essence of what is happening in the country."
"There [in Afghanistan] are all the signs of a humanitarian disaster and economic collapse. Of course, all countries, including those participating in the Moscow format, are trying to find a way to somehow help these people, to understand what will happen to them, and how to avoid further disaster. Because no one is interested in the complete paralysis of an entire state that borders on the CIS, among other things," said the spokesman for the Russian leader.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS