MOSCOW: Russia has reiterated its call for Pakistan and Afghanistan to resolve their differences through political and diplomatic means, offering to provide necessary assistance if both sides express interest in Moscow’s support.
Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova made the remarks during a briefing in Moscow in response to questions from Pakistani journalist Ishtiaq Hamdani about Russia’s military cooperation with Afghanistan and its potential role in reducing tensions between Islamabad and Kabul.
Zakharova said Russia believes that disagreements between Pakistan and Afghanistan should be settled exclusively through political and diplomatic channels.
“If both sides show interest, we are ready to provide them with the necessary assistance. Both sides are aware of our readiness,” she said.
Addressing Russia’s military and technical cooperation with Afghanistan, Zakharova said an intergovernmental agreement had been signed in Moscow in May this year on the sidelines of an international security forum.
According to the Russian spokesperson, the agreement provides a general framework for cooperation aimed at helping strengthen Afghanistan’s defence and counterterrorism capabilities.
She added that Moscow would gradually expand its partnership with Kabul in counterterrorism, counternarcotics and defence.
Emphasising the shared responsibility of regional countries in addressing security threats, Zakharova called for constructive engagement and collective efforts by all relevant states to tackle common challenges.
