Russia Backs Pakistan, China On Afghanistan Security Concerns
Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan said Moscow supports Pakistan and China’s policies on Afghanistan and shares their concerns over militant threats.
Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan said Moscow supports Pakistan and China’s policies on Afghanistan and shares their concerns over militant threats.
Zamir Kabulov told The Express Tribune that Pakistan and China regularly raise complaints with the Taliban about Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM). He described the groups as serious threats to the region, with TTP targeting Pakistan and ETIM posing risks to China.
Kabulov said that the militants could damage the Taliban’s diplomatic relations with Beijing and Islamabad. He suggested Pakistan and China should resolve such issues bilaterally.
Kabulov said the Taliban should be given sufficient support to counter terrorist threats, calling them “troublesome” for Pakistan and China. He urged the Taliban to address these issues with neighbouring countries “in a friendly manner.” The Taliban have repeatedly denied that Afghanistan poses a terror threat to other nations.
He also referred to remarks by Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, who said 23,000 foreign terrorists were present in Afghanistan; a figure Kabulov called concerning.
Kabulov said Russia’s decision to recognise the Taliban in July was based not only on political and economic considerations but also on security grounds, arguing that strengthening the group could help eliminate terrorism in Afghanistan. He added that creating a secure environment for Russian investors was another factor.
Recognition of the Taliban by other countries, however, “will not be easy,” Kabulov said.
