Participants in the seventh Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan voiced support for an “independent, peaceful Afghanistan free of terrorism and drugs,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.
A photograph released by the ministry showed, for the first time, the Taliban flag displayed alongside those of other participating countries.
The meeting, held on Tuesday, 7 October, in the Russian capital, brought together special envoys from Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and the Taliban.
According to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s final communiqué, the forum, described as “the most credible multilateral platform” on Afghanistan, emphasised the need for enhanced regional coordination and practical approaches to achieving peace and stability in the country.
Discussions also focused on strengthening economic, political, and trade cooperation between Afghanistan and regional partners. Participants reiterated their commitment to supporting an independent and stable Afghanistan, underscoring the importance of delivering humanitarian assistance without politicisation.
The statement added that the meeting highlighted the crucial role of regional mechanisms, such as the Moscow Format, in facilitating a peaceful settlement and promoting stability in Afghanistan.
On the sidelines of the meeting, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. Both sides discussed expanding bilateral cooperation and coordination within international and regional frameworks.
