Russia, Iran, China and Pakistan welcome the signing of the agreement between the Afghan leaders, the joint statement of the special representatives of these countries, adopted as a result of online consultations, reads.
The talks were attended by Russian President's Special Representative Zamir Kabulov, his Chinese counterpart Liu Jian, Deputy Foreign Minister of Pakistan Safdar Hayat, and Iran's Special Representative Mohammad Taherianfard.
"The special representatives for Afghanistan of the four countries ... welcome the Agreement between two main political leaders and hope that this important event will expedite start of Intra-Afgan negotiations," the text of a joint statement published on the website of the Russian Foreign Ministry reads, in particular.
The parties "support the “Afghan-led, Afghan-owned” peace and reconciliation process, "believe that the inclusive Intra-Afghan negotiations is the only way to realize the Afghan national reconciliation, leading to prompt end of the prolonged conflict".
In addition, the diplomats expressed support for the initiative of the UN Secretary General António Guterres for universal ceasefire and call "for a simultaneous declaration of a comprehensive ceasefire throughout Afghanistan as agreed among parties to the conflict".
"The parties agreed to maintain the contact on the Afghanistan issue, and work together to advance the Afghan peace reconciliation and reconstruction process," the message notes.
Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and former Prime Minister Abdullah Abdullah signed a political power-sharing agreement over the weekend. According to the agreements, Abdullah will head the Supreme Council for national reconciliation, and members of his team will be included in the Cabinet.
The re-elected President of Afghanistan, Ghani, took the oath on March 9 and officially took office. Prime Minister Abdullah, who did not admit defeat in the elections, held a parallel inauguration ceremony as head of state on the same day. Two days later, Ghani abolished the post of Prime Minister held by Abdullah.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: facebook of the President of Afghanistan