Moscow:Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that Moscow finds NATO's military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring areas under any pretext to be "absolutely unacceptable," warning that it could destabilize the region.

According to Anadolu Agency, Lavrov made these remarks during the 8th Moscow Format consultations on Afghanistan. He mentioned that the Taliban-led Afghan government is governing effectively since the country's liberation from Western occupation five years ago. Afghan security forces are combating ISIS and other terrorist groups, eliminating hundreds of militants and preventing several high-profile attacks.

Lavrov emphasized the importance of strengthening Kabul's counter-terrorism capabilities through logistical support and expert assistance while maintaining contacts between special services and security agencies. He also highlighted the Afghan government's efforts to curb drug trafficking, noting a 90% reduction in opium production since 2022 according to UN estimates.

Despite severe Western sanctions, Afghanistan's economy is reportedly developing, with the opening of around 170 manufacturing facilities and foreign trade reaching $14 billion last year. However, Lavrov acknowledged the challenging humanitarian situation, citing UN estimates that over 17 million Afghans could face food shortages this winter and 22 million would require humanitarian assistance. Russia plans to continue humanitarian deliveries, with the next shipment expected in one to two months.

Russian President Vladimir Putin's special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, disclosed that a joint statement was not adopted during the consultations due to Afghan-Pakistani disagreements. Afghan representatives objected to references to Afghanistan in a "terrorist context," despite similar language in the previous year's statement. Kabulov stressed that the Moscow Format would persist as a platform for regional cooperation.