MOSCOW – Pakistan and Russia have taken important decisions over the Afghanpeace process.
Both Pakistan and Russian foreign ministers have decided that Russia beincluded in the Afghanistan peace process.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov met his Pakistani counterpart ShahMehmood Qureshi in Moscow on Wednesday.
Lavrov said Russia and Pakistan had a “common interest” in helping thepeace process in Afghanistan start “as soon as possible”.
“We have a common interest in creating conditions for the start of thepolitical process as soon as possible,” Lavrov said. “The process by whichAfghani people would lead themselves and which would take intoconsideration the interests of all neighboring countries.”
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Lavrov said Moscow tries not to impose “anything on anyone” when it comesto the Afghan peace process.
“We try not to impose anything on anyone, but I think that Russia,Pakistan, and other members of the so-called Moscow format have found aquite efficient framework where it is comfortable for Afghani sides (towork),” said.
Meanwhile, Qureshi said Russia’s presence was “essential” for peace inAfghanistan and that Moscow had “legitimate concerns” over security andextremism when the influence of Islamic State group in the region was“growing”.
