ISALAMABAD: Representatives from Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban-led interim administration will meet today (Tuesday) in Moscow for the 7th meeting of the Moscow Format on Afghanistan, a regional dialogue aimed at promoting peace, stability and cooperation across the region.
The meeting, chaired by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, brings together senior officials and special envoys from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and China. Belarus is attending as a guest participant. A joint statement is expected at the end of the session.
Discussions will focus on Afghan national reconciliation, counterterrorism efforts, narcotics control, and economic cooperation, as the Taliban continues to seek formal diplomatic recognition and international engagement.
Taliban’s First Official Participation in Moscow Format
For the first time, the Taliban is attending the Moscow Format talks as an official member, led by Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, who departed for Moscow on Monday at the invitation of the Russian Federation.
Afghanistan’s interim Foreign Ministry spokesman Hafiz Zia Ahmad confirmed on X (formerly Twitter) that Muttaqi will also hold bilateral talks with Lavrov on the sidelines, focusing on “current cooperation and regional stability.”
The Taliban’s upgraded status at the forum marks a significant diplomatic shift, following Russia’s decision in July to officially recognize the Taliban government, making Moscow the first country to do so since the group’s return to power in August 2021.
Russia-Led Platform for Regional Coordination
Established in 2017, the Moscow Format serves as a Russia-led platform aimed at coordinating regional positions on Afghanistan. It includes Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and the Central Asian republics, and seeks to advance discussions on security, counterterrorism, drug trafficking, humanitarian issues, and the rights of all Afghans.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova earlier said the main participants would be represented by special presidential envoys and senior officials, underlining the importance Moscow attaches to Afghanistan’s regional stability.
Diplomatic observers say the forum underscores Russia’s ambition to position itself as a central mediator in Afghanistan’s post-war regional diplomacy, especially amid reduced Western engagement since the Taliban’s takeover.
Pakistan Pushes for Regional Cooperation and Security
Pakistan’s delegation, led by Muhammad Sadiq Khan, the Special Representative on Afghanistan and State Minister, arrived in Moscow on Sunday to participate the high-level discussions.
According to diplomatic sources, Pakistan plans to urge the international community to increase humanitarian assistance for Afghanistan and will raise concerns about terrorist sanctuaries operating from Afghan territory.
Islamabad, alongside Russia, China, and Iran, is expected to reiterate joint opposition to the establishment of any foreign military bases in Afghanistan, while pressing for stronger counterterrorism measures, arms control, and border security cooperation.
