Russia looks forward to an early transition to discussing key issues of national reconciliation within the framework of the talks between the government of Afghanistan and the Taliban (banned in the Russian Federation), a comment issued on Tuesday by the Russian Foreign Ministry reads.
"We welcome the launch of the negotiation process, and are looking forward to a fast completion of the technical procedures by the parties and a start of the discussion of key issues on the national reconciliation agenda," the Ministry stressed, calling the Afghan parties to discuss the introduction of a lasting ceasefire as a priority for the first round of dialogue.
The Russian Foreign Ministry stressed that the Russian side supports Afghanistan developing as a peaceful, independent and neutral state. "Together with our international partners, we intend to continue to promote an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process," the message reads.
On September 12, Doha hosted the opening ceremony of intra-Afghan peace talks. On the Russian side, the event was attended by Presidential Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: AP Photo / Hussein Sayed / TASS
Based on materials from TASS