Overview

• Opening the seventh Moscow Format consultations, Sergey Lavrov declared the placement of third‑country military infrastructure in Afghanistan and in neighboring states categorically unacceptable.
• Lavrov warned that a forceful military presence by regional actors could spur destabilization and new conflicts, citing Afghanistan’s history with foreign troops.
• He said Russia will deepen work with Afghan authorities on counterterrorism and the fight against illicit drug trafficking, with plans to intensify business ties.
• Lavrov held a bilateral meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to discuss prospects for the Russia–Afghanistan relationship and regional priorities.
• The Moscow Format session underscored Russia’s view that its July 2025 recognition of Afghan authorities removed prior constraints on interstate cooperation.