Lavrov says Moscow Format remains key platform for Afghanistan talks

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has described the Moscow Format of Consultations as the leading regional platform for building consensus on Afghanistan, calling for greater cooperation among neighbouring countries to address security and political challenges.

Speaking at the Fourth Minsk International Conference on Eurasian Security in Belarus on Tuesday, November 3, Lavrov said the eighth meeting of the Moscow Format had taken place in the Russian capital the previous month, with a high-level delegation from Afghanistan in attendance.

“Today, the most representative platform for developing a regional consensus on Afghanistan is the so-called Moscow Format of Consultations,” Lavrov said.

He stressed that countries in the region should take the lead in addressing Afghanistan-related challenges, arguing that cooperation and dialogue among regional states cannot be replaced by outside powers.

Regional cooperation on Afghanistan

The Moscow Format brings together Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India and Central Asian countries to discuss political, security and economic developments concerning Afghanistan.

The eighth meeting, held in Moscow in October 2026, included representatives from participating countries and a high-level Afghan delegation.

However, disagreements between Afghan and Pakistani representatives over terminology related to terrorism prevented participants from issuing a joint statement.

Moscow calls for broader Eurasian security framework

Lavrov also used his address to call for a broader Eurasian security architecture based on mutual respect, sovereign equality and guarantees of security for all countries.

He said regional conflicts should be addressed by tackling their underlying causes and through cooperation among the countries directly concerned.

The Russian foreign minister reiterated Moscow’s opposition to an expanded military presence by countries outside the region in strategically sensitive areas.

His remarks highlight Afghanistan’s continued importance in Russia’s regional diplomatic priorities, as Moscow seeks to strengthen cooperation on security, political stability and economic connectivity across Eurasia.