Russia calls for sanctions relief on Afghanistan As US diplomat recognizes Moscow consultation’s significance

At a meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov called on Western countries to take responsibility for rebuilding Afghanistan after years of conflict.

He urged the West to lift sanctions and return misappropriated assets to Kabul, emphasizing the need for a collaborative approach to post-conflict reconstruction, Caliber.Az reports via Russian media.

“The deadlock surrounding Afghanistan is a result of the cynical policies of the collective West,” Lavrov stated, reinforcing his call for a shift in strategy.

In response to ongoing discussions, the United States expressed its interest in the outcomes of the Moscow format consultations.

Karen Decker, Chief of US Mission Afghanistan, highlighted that while the United States has traditionally viewed these consultations as regional, it will consider the results of the upcoming meeting.

Decker clarified that the US has not participated in the Moscow format thus far, citing a preference for focusing on regional reconciliation initiatives without needing to be involved in every forum.

As both Russia and the US navigate the complexities of Afghanistan’s future, the call for cooperation and responsibility from the international community remains a central theme in the discussions.

By Vafa Guliyeva