DUSHANBE/ISLAMABAD - Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said Thursday that the Taliban’s approach on fighting against terrorism, drug trafficking and prevention of threats for neighbouring countries was welcoming.
“The Taliban proclaimed their goals themselves, declaring, in particular, their commitment to further fighting against terrorism and drug trafficking. They assured everyone else that they would do their utmost to prevent any threats for neighbouring countries from Afghan soil, that they had no intention of destabilising neighbouring countries,” the Russian foreign minister told media Wednesday during his visit to Tajikistan, TASS news agency of Russia reported. He said Taliban had also made commitment to form an inclusive government that reflected the full spectrum of Afghan society, and its political, ethnic and confessional balance. “We supported [that], just like the vast majority of countries across the globe, we welcomed this approach, and now we are keeping an eye on how it will be implemented,” Sergey Lavrov said. He said too little time has passed to draw any final conclusions.
The news agency also quoted Sergey Lavrov as saying, “The Taliban have not yet been recognised by any country. Everyone is talking about the need to have contacts with them on current issues, first of all, on security issues, respect for the rights of citizens, and ensure the normal functioning of diplomatic missions.”
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministers of Russia, China, Pakistan and Iran on Thursday exchanged views on the latest developments in Afghanistan and peace and security situation in the region.
Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, China’s Wang Yi, Pakistan’s Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Iran’s Hussain Amir Abdollahian were meeting at the sidelines of the heads of state summit meeting of Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO).
The participants of the meeting expressed determination for promoting peace, security and stability in Afghanistan and the region. The ministers emphasized on national reconciliation and called for inclusive government in Afghanistan so that it should take care of the interests of all ethnic and political forces.
During the meeting, they emphasized for collective efforts for countering threats to Afghanistan especially the danger of spread of terrorism and drugs trafficking. The minister expressed concern on the precarious humanitarian, social and economic situation in Afghanistan and on the threat of influx of refugees to the neighboring countries. They called for return of peaceful life and revival of economy in Afghanistan.
Also, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi Thursday met with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of the SCO Council of Heads of State meeting here. Recalling earlier interaction with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov during the latter’s visit to Pakistan in April 2021, the two leaders exchanged views on the entire gamut of bilateral relations. Matters relating to regional and global issues were also the subject of discussion.
FM Qureshi stated that relations with Russia were one of the key priorities of Pakistan’s foreign policy.
Pakistan was committed to furthering cooperation with Russia in trade, investment, energy, defence and people-to-people exchanges as well as collaboration at multilateral and regional fora including Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
The Foreign Minister underscored the importance of peace and stability in Afghanistan for regional security and prosperity.
He emphasized the urgent need for promotion of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan in order to address food and medicine shortage in the country.
Foreign Minister Qureshi underlined the need for the international community to remain engaged in Afghanistan.
The Foreign Minister further said that strengthening trade and investment relations and cooperation in energy sector were the cornerstones of engagement with Russia. In this context, Pakistan looked forward to holding of Inter-Governmental Commission on Trade and Investment in Russia later during the year.
Foreign Minister also reaffirmed government’s resolve for early realization of Pakistan Stream Gas Pipeline Project.
Foreign Minister Qureshi thanked Foreign Minister Lavrov for enhancing scholarships for Pakistani students in academic institutions in Russia.
Pakistan and Russia enjoy close, friendly ties marked by mutual trust and understanding.
Relations between Pakistan and Russia have been on an upward trajectory propelled by converging views on important regional and international issues, growing trust and increasing bilateral cooperation manifested by recent high-level interactions. The two Foreign Ministers agreed to remain in close contact.