ISLAMABAD: The eighth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan began in Moscow on Monday, bringing together Afghanistan and key regional countries for discussions on the political, security and economic situation in and around the country.
The meeting brings together special representatives and senior officials from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Belarus and Egypt attending as guest delegations.
Pakistan is represented at the meeting by Mohammad Sadiq, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister and Pakistan’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
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— Mohammad Sadiq (@AmbassadorSadiq) October 5, 2026
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov delivered the opening remarks, while the Afghan delegation is being led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
The Moscow Format provides a regional platform for discussing developments in Afghanistan and issues affecting regional stability.
Regional Dialogue
The consultations are expected to focus on strengthening political and economic cooperation, as well as regional efforts to counter terrorism and drug trafficking.
Afghanistan’s security situation remains a key concern for neighbouring and regional states, particularly because of the presence of militant and extremist groups and the potential cross-border impact of instability.
8th Meeting Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan commenced in Moscow today, bringing together Afghanistan & countries of the region to discuss the situation in Afghanistan & issues of regional concern.
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@GovtofPakistan
@ForeignOfficePk
@MoIB_Official https://t.co/JmbKlTXMCZ— Pakistan Embassy Russia (@PakinRussia) October 5, 2026
The participating countries are also expected to discuss ways of expanding economic and trade cooperation and improving regional connectivity.
Pakistan-Afghanistan
Pakistan is participating in the consultations alongside other regional powers as discussions continue over Afghanistan’s security situation and relations with neighbouring countries.
The meeting also provides an opportunity for regional representatives to engage on diplomatic and border-related concerns between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Bilateral and side meetings are expected to take place alongside the main consultations, including engagements between Afghan and Russian officials and discussions involving other participating countries.
Counterterrorism and counter-narcotics remain central to regional concerns over Afghanistan.
Participants are expected to exchange views on measures to address security threats emanating from Afghan territory while encouraging greater regional cooperation.
The Moscow Format was established as a regional diplomatic mechanism to facilitate dialogue on Afghanistan, bringing together neighbouring and regional countries to discuss the country’s future and its wider implications for regional stability.
