ISTANBUL

Top Russian diplomat argues Afghanistan should be involved in regional political issues

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on Tuesday argued that Kabul should be involved in the region’s political issues, as he addressed participants of a meeting involving Afghan and regional representatives on consultations regarding Afghanistan.

“We proceed from the premise that ensuring the security and well-being of our region presupposes Kabul's involvement in political processes, in the activities of multilateral associations, and in the implementation of joint economic projects,” Lavrov said in opening remarks at the seventh meeting of consultations on Afghanistan in the Moscow format.

Lavrov expressed that Russia fully shared this approach, reminding that Moscow lifted restrictions on interstate cooperation with Kabul after announcing it officially recognized the interim Taliban administration in Afghanistan in July.

He said that Russia gives credit to the interim Taliban administration, which it said managed to effectively combat terror groups in the country “despite significant external pressure and a relatively modest state budget.”

Lavrov further expressed Russia’s rejection of the deployment of third-party military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring states “under any pretext.”

“The military presence of extra-regional players could lead to destabilization and new conflicts,” Lavrov said, going on to call on the West to “correct its confrontational course,” as well as to take responsibility for the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan and for compensating for the damage inflicted on the country’s economy and infrastructure “over decades.”

The Russian foreign minister also called on external donors not to attach political conditions for the provision of humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, stating the humanitarian situation in the country remained difficult.

“The situation is further exacerbated by natural disasters and climate instability. More than half of the country's population — specifically, 22 million of its 39 million people — require humanitarian assistance. 21 million lack access to clean drinking water and basic healthcare,” he said.

“Russia, for its part, will continue to provide and increase humanitarian assistance to the Islamic Emirate,” Lavrov added.

The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after the withdrawal of US-led forces ended a two-decade war.

Late last month, Beijing said that China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan have opposed any move to reestablish military bases in Afghanistan after US President Donald Trump asked the interim Taliban administration to return Bagram Air Base to the Pentagon.

Kabul rejected Washington’s demand, while Trump warned "bad things" would happen if the Taliban administration does not cede control of the air base.

In July, Russia recognized the Taliban administration as the official government of Afghanistan, making it the first country to do so.