The eighth Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan opened in Moscow on October 5 with representatives from Afghanistan, Russia, Pakistan, China, India, Iran and Central Asian states. Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi led Kabul's delegation, while Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the opening session.
Muttaqi said security, political and economic disputes with Pakistan should be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy rather than mutual accusations and military action. He also said Afghanistan regards self-defence against any aggression as a legitimate right. Pakistan did not immediately respond to those specific remarks.
Lavrov said Russia considers the return of NATO military infrastructure to Afghanistan or neighbouring states unacceptable. He also praised Taliban efforts against Islamic State and narcotics, reflecting Moscow's official position.
Pakistan's special representative for Afghanistan, Mohammad Sadiq, said terrorism remained at the core of Afghanistan-related security concerns and that Islamabad would continue taking appropriate measures under international law to protect its citizens. He claimed more than 4,700 Pakistanis had been killed over the past three years by terrorism emanating from Afghanistan. Kabul has repeatedly rejected Pakistani allegations that militants are being sheltered on Afghan soil.
Russia has also said it is willing to use the Moscow Format to encourage compromise between Kabul and Islamabad. Security, regional cooperation, trade and counter-narcotics are among the issues under discussion.