The Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan ended without a joint statement after Pakistan and Afghanistan failed to reach an agreement on the final text. The eighth edition of the regional diplomatic forum brought together senior officials and special envoys from Afghanistan, China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Belarus and Egypt participating as guests.
Russian presidential envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said Moscow regretted that the participants could not agree on the document because of differences between the Pakistani and Afghan delegations.
Pakistan and Afghanistan Disagree Over Terrorism Language
The central disagreement reportedly involved references to terrorism and counterterrorism. Kabulov said the Afghan side objected to language that placed Afghanistan in a terrorist context.
Pakistan’s special envoy for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, said Islamabad wanted regional peace and stability but argued that terrorist attacks originating from Afghan territory had increased despite Pakistan’s diplomatic engagement with the Taliban authorities.
Afghan Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi rejected Pakistan’s position and criticised Islamabad’s approach towards Afghanistan. He accused Pakistan of using military pressure, refugees, students and transit routes as leverage. At the same time, Muttaqi said disputes between the neighbouring countries could be addressed through dialogue and diplomacy.
Russia Offers to Help Reduce Tensions
Russia said it was prepared to assist Pakistan and Afghanistan in resolving their differences if both sides requested such help. However, Kabulov clarified that resolving the bilateral dispute was not the primary purpose of the Moscow Format.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov also backed engagement with the Taliban authorities and warned against NATO establishing military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighbouring countries. He argued that strengthening Afghanistan’s counterterrorism capabilities would serve regional interests.
Moscow Format Faces Regional Challenge
Established in 2017, the Moscow Format has become an important regional diplomatic platform focused on Afghanistan. Its broader objective is to support national reconciliation and promote peace in the country.
However, the failure to agree on a joint statement highlights the growing difficulty of building regional consensus while Pakistan and Afghanistan remain divided over security and terrorism-related issues.
Relevant Link: United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan
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