Spokesperson stresses that lasting resolution of disputes is only possible through dialogue and negotiations
Russia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease growing tensions, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Speaking at a press conference in the Kremlin, Maria Zakharova stressed that establishing stability in the region was Russia’s top priority.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation on Friday with the aim of mediating to reduce growing tensions between the two countries. “Welcomed the agreement reached between Kabul and Islamabad, mediated by Qatar and Turkey, on a mutual ceasefire and an end to cross-border firing along the Afghan-Pakistani border.”.
Zakharova described Pakistan and Afghanistan as key regional partners and warned that border tensions between them could pose a serious threat to regional security. She added that mediation efforts in such situations could help promote lasting peace.
Read: Iran, Russia call for Pak-Afghan dialogue
Russia stressed that a lasting resolution of disputes is only possible through dialogue and negotiations.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged both countries to exercise restraint, resolve their differences through talks and avoid any action that could further escalate tensions.
Russia stressed that ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could hamper peace and stability in the region, making it essential to continue the dialogue process.
Failed talks
This comes after the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended without any progress and the Pakistani delegation returned home. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said: “Pakistan remains firm in its position that the responsibility for controlling terrorism emanating from Afghan territory lies with Afghanistan.”
In recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Taliban authorities of turning a blind eye to banned TTP sanctuaries in Afghanistan, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and exerting undue pressure.
Learn more: Peace talks with Afghanistan fail
Despite mediation by Turkey and Qatar, sources close to the negotiations said the atmosphere in Istanbul was tense and unproductive, with the Afghan side calling Pakistan’s demands “unrealistic” and politically motivated.
While the last round of negotiations ended in an impasse, the two countries appear no closer to resolving the security standoff, raising fears of further escalation along their shared border.
