Afghan FM at Moscow talks says Afghanistan's territory not used against other states
In short
Afghanistan's foreign minister, Amir Khan Mottaki, said Afghanistan's territory is not used against other states, speaking to journalists after the Moscow format consultations on Afghanistan held in Moscow on Monday. He said Afghanistan is pursuing an economy-oriented policy and wants to develop economic ties with all countries. The Moscow talks bring together special representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, with Belarus and Egypt attending as guests.
Why it matters
The remarks were made at the Moscow format, a venue where Russia and regional states coordinate on Afghanistan, so the assurances are aimed at Afghanistan's neighbours and at keeping that channel active. The emphasis on an economy-oriented foreign policy signals that the meeting's focus remains on trade and regional engagement rather than security demands. The documents give no indication of any decision, agreement or joint statement from the talks.
Key facts
- Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Mottaki said Afghan territory is not used against other states. [ 1 , 2 ]
- He made the statement to journalists after the Moscow format meeting on Afghanistan. [ 2 ]
- He said Afghanistan is pursuing an economy-oriented policy and wants to develop economic relations with all states. [ 2 ]
- TASS reported he noted that the Islamic Emirate remains faithful to its core principles. [ 1 ]
- Monday's Moscow consultations include special representatives of Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. [ 2 ]
- Delegations from Belarus and Egypt were invited as guests. [ 2 ]
Confirmed by several sources
Still unclear
- The spelling of the foreign minister's name differs between outlets. TASS writes Amir Khan Muttaqi, Interfax writes Amir Khan Mottaki; the documents do not explain the discrepancy, and both appear to refer to the same person.
- What the Moscow format consultations produced — decisions, documents or a joint statement. Only Interfax describes the meeting's participants; neither document reports any outcome or agreement.
- What the “core principles” referred to by the foreign minister are. TASS reports the phrase without elaboration, and it is not mentioned in the other document.