The spokesperson emphasizes that a lasting solution to disputes is only possible through dialogue and negotiations
Russia has offered to mediate between Pakistan and Afghanistan to ease rising tensions, a Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson said.
Speaking at a press conference in the Kremlin, Maria Zakharova emphasized that achieving stability in the region is Russia’s top priority.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi held a telephone conversation on Friday to mediate and reduce the growing tension between the two countries. “Welcomed the agreement reached between Kabul and Islamabad, mediated by Qatar and Turkiye, on a mutual ceasefire and an end to cross-border shooting along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.”
Zakharova described Pakistan and Afghanistan as key regional partners and warned that border tensions between them could pose a serious threat to regional security. He added that mediation efforts in such situations could help promote sustainable peace.
Read: Iran and Russia call for dialogue between Pakistan and Afghanistan
Russia stressed that a lasting solution to the disputes is only possible through dialogue and negotiations.
The Foreign Ministry spokesperson urged both countries to exercise restraint, resolve differences through talks and avoid actions that could further increase tensions.
Russia stressed that the current tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could obstruct peace and stability in the region, making it essential to continue the dialogue process.
failed conversations
This comes after the second round of talks between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime in Istanbul ended without any progress and the Pakistani delegation returned home. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar has said: “Pakistan remains firm in its position that the responsibility of controlling terrorism emanating from Afghan territory lies with Afghanistan.”
In recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Taliban authorities of turning a blind eye to banned TTP sanctuaries inside Afghanistan, while Kabul has accused Islamabad of violating its airspace and imposing undue pressure.
Read more: Peace talks with Afghanistan fail
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 standoff, raising fears of further escalation along their shared border.
