Russia Holds “Moscow Format Consultations” on Afghanistan, Rejects Military Base Plans

Kokcha News Agency — Russia hosted the 7th round of the “Moscow Format Consultations” on Afghanistan in its capital, Moscow. The meeting was attended by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Afghan Deputy Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and representatives from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. Belarus was also invited as a guest.

Zamir Kabulov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, highlighted the importance of the meeting, stating that it demonstrated the commitment of regional states to developing mutually beneficial relations with the Afghan government.

Kabulov emphasized the need to support Afghanistan’s economic development and clarified that Russia has no plans to establish a military base in the country. He also noted that Afghanistan’s government has firmly stated it will not allow any foreign military bases, including at Bagram Air Base.

Regarding the U.S. interest in reopening its embassy in Afghanistan, Kabulov expressed support, saying, “We welcome not only the U.S. but also other countries willing to improve relations and provide support to Afghanistan by opening embassies.”