Spokesman emphasizes that a lasting solution to disputes is only possible through dialogue, negotiations
Russia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease rising tensions, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesman said.
Speaking at a press conference in the Kremlin, Maria Zakharova emphasized that establishing stability in the region is Russia’s highest priority.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi had held a telephone conversation on Friday to mediate to ease the growing strain between the two countries. “Welcome the agreement reached between Kabul and Islamabad, brokered by Qatar and Turkiye, on a mutual ceasefire and an end to cross-border shootings along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.”
Zakharova described Pakistan and Afghanistan as important 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 sustainable peace.
Read: Iran and Russia call for a Pak-Afghan dialogue
Russia stressed that a lasting solution to disputes is only possible through dialogue and negotiations.
The Foreign Ministry spokesman urged both countries to exercise restraint, resolve differences through talks and avoid actions that could further escalate tensions.
Russia highlighted that ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could hinder peace and stability in the region, making it crucial to continue the dialogue process.
Failed calls
This comes after the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended without any breakthrough and the Pakistani delegation returned home. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said, “Pakistan remains steadfast in its position that the responsibility to control terrorism emanating from Afghan territory rests with Afghanistan”.
In recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Taliban authorities of turning a blind eye to the outlawed TTP hideouts inside Afghanistan, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and imposing undue pressure.
Read more: Peace talks with Afghanistan collapse
Despite mediation by Turkiye and Qatar, sources familiar with the talks said the atmosphere in Istanbul was tense and unproductive, with the Afghan side calling Pakistan’s demands “unrealistic” and politically motivated.
With the latest round ending in a stalemate, both countries appear no closer to resolving the security issue, raising fears of further escalation along their shared border.
