Moscow: The eighth meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan began in the Russian capital on Monday, bringing together representatives of Afghanistan and countries across the region.
The consultations will address the situation in Afghanistan and issues of regional concern. Pakistan’s delegation includes its Special Representative for Afghanistan, Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq, and its ambassador to Kabul.
The Moscow Format is a diplomatic forum through which regional governments discuss developments in Afghanistan and coordinate their positions. Its participants include Russia, China, Pakistan, Iran, India and several Central Asian countries, alongside Afghanistan.
For countries bordering Afghanistan, the discussions carry significance for security, cross border movement and economic links. Instability can affect trade routes and border communities, while differences over security policy can complicate relations between governments.
The meeting comes amid tensions between Islamabad and Kabul over militant activity. Pakistan has accused armed groups operating from Afghan territory of carrying out attacks inside its borders, while Afghan authorities have disputed Pakistani allegations.
Ahead of the consultations, Sadiq met Mohammad Reza Bahrami, director general for South Asia at Iran’s Foreign Ministry. According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, the two reviewed regional developments.
That bilateral meeting formed part of the diplomatic exchanges surrounding the wider gathering. Both Pakistan and Iran share borders with Afghanistan and have a direct interest in developments there.
The opening of the consultations marks the start of discussions rather than an announcement of agreed measures. The brief update did not specify decisions, a joint declaration or commitments by participating countries.
