Moscow – The seventh meeting of the Moscow Format of Consultations on Afghanistan was held on October 7, 2025, in Moscow, bringing together special representatives and senior officials from Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. A delegation from Belarus also attended as a guest. The session was formally opened by Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation, the Moscow Format has become the most influential multilateral mechanism for coordinating practical approaches to the Afghan settlement. It provides a vital platform for dialogue, bringing together all key regional stakeholders.
For the first time, the Afghan delegation, led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, participated as a full member. On the sidelines of the event, Lavrov also held a separate meeting with Muttaqi to discuss expanding bilateral cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan, as well as coordination on regional and international platforms.
The participants reaffirmed their unwavering support for Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful state, free from terrorism and drugs. They emphasized the importance of expanding political, trade, and economic cooperation, while also supporting Afghanistan’s integration into regional connectivity projects. Delegates highlighted the need for progress in healthcare, agriculture, poverty alleviation, and disaster prevention to help Afghanistan achieve sustainable development.
Humanitarian assistance was another key focus. The joint statement stressed that aid to the Afghan people must remain depoliticized, and called on the international community to intensify emergency support. At the same time, the participants urged Kabul to take comprehensive measures against terrorism, ensuring Afghan soil is not used as a threat to neighboring countries or beyond.
Crucially, the meeting declared unacceptable any attempts by foreign powers to deploy military infrastructure in Afghanistan or its neighboring states, warning that such actions would undermine regional peace and stability. The parties also urged countries “mainly responsible for the current predicament in Afghanistan” to fulfill their commitments toward the country’s economic recovery and development.
The Moscow Format, launched in 2017, continues to play a significant role in shaping regional consensus on Afghanistan’s future.