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30m ago

Moscow Format Admits Afghanistan, Rejects Foreign Bases, Prioritizes Economic Links and Counterterror Coordination

Russia used the talks to press for the return of frozen Afghan assets, framing aid as humanitarian rather than political.

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Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, second left in the first row, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, center in the first row, Russian presidential envoy to Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov, third right in the first row, and other representatives pose for a photo prior to their talks on the sidelines of the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, third left, speaks during the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russia, Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Alexander Zemlianichenko)

Overview

  • Afghanistan participated as a full member for the first time, with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi joining the 7th Moscow Format consultations in Moscow.
  • The joint statement declared any deployment of third‑country military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighboring states unacceptable.
  • Participants committed to stronger counterterrorism coordination and cited concerns over TTP, BLA, ETIM, Jaish al‑Adl, ISIL/Daesh and al‑Qaeda, stressing that Afghan territory must not serve as a haven or support base.
  • Sergey Lavrov urged Western states to release Afghanistan’s frozen assets and criticized sanctions, as members emphasized depoliticised humanitarian assistance and expanded regional economic connectivity.
  • Pakistan, China, Russia and Iran held a quadrilateral session and bilateral meetings in Moscow to align positions on security and engagement with Kabul, while Muttaqi is slated to visit India later this week.