Moscow to Host Afghanistan Talks Amid Tensions Between Pakistan and Taliban

The eighth Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan will be held tomorrow in the Russian capital, against the backdrop of continued tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban administration, while Russia’s embassy in Kabul has expressed concern over the impact of the clashes on civilians, including children.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said in a statement on Sunday, 12 Mehr, that Mohammad Sadiq, the prime minister’s aide and the country’s special envoy on Afghanistan, will attend the meeting along with Pakistan’s ambassador in Kabul.

Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Taliban administration, also left Kabul for Moscow today. Representatives from India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan will also attend the meeting.

Russia’s embassy in Kabul has expressed concern over the ‘ongoing military clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan (the Taliban) and their impact on civilians, including children.’ The meeting comes as Pakistan’s military has targeted several Afghan provinces in recent days.