The radical Taliban movement (banned in Russia), which took power in Afghanistan, has received an invitation to attend the next meeting of the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan and intends to participate. This was announced by Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Foreign Minister in the interim government formed by the Taliban.
"The participation of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [the Taliban's name for the state - TASS] in the third meeting in Doha was a great opportunity. Additionally, [representatives] of the Emirate have been invited to the Moscow format meeting, and they will also participate," Muttaqi stated during a press conference in Kabul, as quoted by ministry spokesperson Hafiz Zia Ahmad.
In January, Russian Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan and Director of the Second Asian Department at Russia's Foreign Ministry, Zamir Kabulov, told TASS that the work of the Moscow format on Afghanistan would continue in 2024. He mentioned that these meetings traditionally take place in the second half of the year, in autumn.
From June 30 to July 1, a meeting of special representatives on Afghanistan, initiated by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, took place in Doha. In preparation for these talks, the Moscow format consultation contact group met on June 8 in Tehran.
The Moscow format was established in 2017 based on a six-party consultation mechanism involving special representatives from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, and Pakistan. Its first session was held on April 14, 2017, with the participation of deputy ministers and special representatives from 11 countries, including Afghanistan. The main goal of the format is to promote the process of national reconciliation in Afghanistan and to expedite the establishment of peace in the country.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the Rais RT
Based on materials from TASS