Moscow (TDI): Pakistan, along with China, Russia, and Iran, has reaffirmed its commitment to promoting a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, while voicing concern over the continued presence of terrorist elements in the country. The pledge came during a quadrilateral meeting held in Moscow on Tuesday.
The meeting took place ahead of the 7th Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, an expanded forum bringing together regional countries, including India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and China, to discuss political, security, and humanitarian issues related to Afghanistan.
Pakistan’s Special Envoy to Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq Khan, shared details of the discussions on X, saying that all four participating states “reaffirmed their firm commitment to a sovereign, peaceful, and stable Afghanistan, free from terrorism and foreign interference.”
Khan added that the countries agreed to strengthen coordination and joint efforts against terrorism, which remains a shared regional concern.
Read More: Pakistan Attends Quadrilateral Meeting on Afghanistan, Under Moscow Format
During his visit, the Pakistani envoy also held separate bilateral meetings with his counterparts from Iran, China, and Russia.
In his meeting with Iran’s representative, Muhammad Reza Bahrami, both sides discussed regional security and recent developments in Afghanistan, with an emphasis on counterterrorism cooperation and humanitarian challenges. “The two sides agreed to maintain dialogue and coordination to address mutual concerns,” Khan said.
Meanwhile, in talks with China’s special envoy Yue Xiaoyong, both nations underlined the importance of a coordinated regional approach to sustain peace and stability. Khan described the Pakistan–China partnership as “a cornerstone for advancing shared objectives and regional development.”
He also met Russia’s Zamir Kabulov, focusing on enhancing regional cooperation and collective efforts for Afghanistan’s future, Dawn.com reported.
Afghanistan is being represented at the Moscow Format meeting by its acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who arrived in Russia on Monday. According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry, this marks the first time that the Taliban government is attending the meeting as an official participant.
In July, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, a move that could shape the dynamics of this year’s consultations.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will meet Muttaqi privately on the sidelines to discuss bilateral cooperation, counterterrorism efforts, and regional economic ties.
Read More: At OIC, Pakistan Urges Afghanistan to Act Against Militants
She noted that “priority will be given to promoting Afghan national reconciliation and strengthening practical cooperation in the political, economic, and anti-drug fields.”
Since its launch in 2016, the Moscow Format has consistently called on Afghanistan’s rulers to fulfill their international obligations, prevent terrorist groups from operating within its borders, and ensure that Afghan soil is not used against neighbouring states.
Pakistan has remained an active participant in the initiative, viewing it as an essential platform for regional dialogue on peace, stability, and counterterrorism in Afghanistan.
