The fifth meeting of the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan is set to commence in Kazan this Friday. Participants are slated to deliberate on strategies to counter regional threats and establish an inclusive government within the nation.
The Moscow format for addressing Afghan issues comprises Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Earlier statements by Maria Zakharova, the spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, revealed that the meeting's agenda would encompass discussions on intra-Afghan reconciliation, regional security dynamics, and the post-conflict rehabilitation of Afghanistan. Upon conclusion, a joint statement is anticipated to be issued by the attending parties.
According to Zamir Kabulov, the head of the Russian delegation and the Special Representative of the Russian President for Afghanistan, the Director of the Second Department of Asia in the Foreign Ministry, virtually all participants within the Moscow format have confirmed their attendance. Notably, a delegation from the Taliban (a group banned in Russia), currently in power in Afghanistan, led by Amir Khan Muttaqi, the foreign minister in the interim government, is expected to attend. Kabulov confirmed that US representatives have not been invited or designated as observers for this meeting.
Fulfilling commitments
A central item on the meeting's agenda will be the inclusivity of the interim Taliban government, specifically, the representation of diverse Afghan ethno-religious groups within it. As Kabulov had previously emphasized, there has been minimal progress on this matter thus far, but the format will persist in its efforts. The special representative of the Russian president expects that, during the Kazan meeting, participants will advocate for the establishment of an ethno-politically inclusive government in Afghanistan.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has underscored Russia's stance that engaging in negotiations with the Taliban is needed. However, Moscow will not grant de jure recognition to their government until they fulfill their commitments. Lavrov has highlighted that this includes ensuring inclusivity in the governing structures, not just in ethnic terms, but also in political terms, as he stated in April.
Humanitarian concerns and counterterrorism efforts
Following the Taliban's assumption of power in Afghanistan, Russia has continued to provide humanitarian aid to the country. In September, another shipment of humanitarian assistance was dispatched, and Russian officials have expressed their interest in contributing to the reconstruction of Afghan infrastructure. Simultaneously, Russia has raised concerns about Western states attempting to obstruct such collaboration. Anna Evstigneyeva, Russian Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has indicated that the West rejects the possibility of aiding Afghanistan's development, including the reconstruction of schools and hospitals.
Dmitry Zhirnov, the Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan, has also acknowledged that Russian grain and fuel supplies have helped alleviate the impact of natural disasters in Afghanistan, where the humanitarian situation remains challenging. Moreover, Moscow is granting several hundred scholarships to Afghan students for their education in Russian universities, focusing on socially significant fields of study.
The persistent terrorist threat remains the paramount security challenge, both within and beyond Afghanistan's borders. In September, representatives of CIS intelligence agencies expressed their concerns about the escalating terrorism threat. Nevertheless, Zhirnov emphasized that the Taliban has made notable progress in combating militants affiliated with the Islamic State terrorist organization (IS, banned in Russia).
About the Moscow format
The Moscow format was established in 2017, evolving from a six-party consultation mechanism involving special representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, and Pakistan. Its inaugural meeting convened on April 14, 2017, with the participation of deputy ministers and special representatives from 11 countries, including the Afghan side. The primary objective of this format is to facilitate the advancement of Afghanistan's national reconciliation process and expedite peace in the country. The most recent, fourth meeting took place in November 2022 in Moscow, but notably, the Taliban did not participate.
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Based on materials from TASS