Regional powers are gathering in Moscow on Friday for the sixth round of the Moscow Consultation Format meeting on Afghanistan.

The platform would bring together representatives of Russia, China, Iran, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, India, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan to discuss the situation in Afghanistan.

The focus of the meeting will be on promoting the Afghan national reconciliation process and expanding practical cooperation between regional states and the Taliban government in Kabul.

This is according to Russia’s foreign ministry.

After the closed-door discussions, a joint statement is expected to be issued.

On Wednesday, Afghanistan’s de facto foreign minister, Amir Muttaqi, invited as the guest of honour, departed for Russia to attend the meeting.

The Taliban government’s deputy spokesman, Hamdullah Fitrat, has expressed hope that these meetings would contribute to regional security and economic stability.

Fitrat emphasised the importance of such opportunities to connect the region and foster harmony among the countries.

The Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan is a regional platform established to address the challenges facing Afghanistan and promote regional cooperation.

Since the end of the U.S. occupation of Afghanistan in 2021, regional powers have actively engaged with the Taliban government.

However, no country has officially recognised the Taliban government yet.

The Taliban faces criticism, particularly from Western countries, for its strict policies against Afghan women. 

(dpa/NAN)