Russian President Vladimir Putin held a telephone conversation with Italian Council of Ministers Chairman Mario Draghi, they discussed the situation in Afghanistan, the Kremlin press service reported on Thursday.
"The main focus was on the situation in Afghanistan. Both sides emphasized the importance of preventing a humanitarian catastrophe, ensuring the safety of the inhabitants of the country. The need to further combat the spread of terrorist ideology and the drug threat emanating from the territory of Afghanistan was noted," reads the report.
During the conversation Putin and Draghi "spoke in favor of consolidation of international efforts, including within the Group of Twenty, which Italy currently chairs, to help establish peace and stability in Afghanistan," the Kremlin press service added.
Moreover, the conversation emphasized mutual interest in the development of mutually beneficial Russian-Italian ties in various fields. The conversation was held on the initiative of the Italian side; Putin and Draghi agreed to continue contacts.
Militants of the Taliban movement (banned in Russia) entered Kabul on August 15 without fighting and took complete control of the city within a few hours. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani left the country after withdrawing from power. Western countries evacuate their citizens, including diplomats.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS