Lavrov Urges Regional Unity Against Terrorism

Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, stressed the need for joint efforts by regional countries to combat terrorism during a press conference focusing on Moscow’s foreign policy in the past year.

In this conference, Lavrov stated that member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), particularly Pakistan, India, and Afghanistan (which holds observer status), must take coordinated steps to fight terrorism.

The Russian Foreign Minister told reporters: “There is also mutual interest in practical cooperation in the fight against terrorism. Pakistan also suffers from terrorism. However, of course, the fight against terrorism requires the unification of efforts with your Afghan neighbors, India, and all members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”

Lavrov also highlighted the importance of the Moscow Format and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization in addressing regional challenges related to Afghanistan. He added: “The Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the Moscow Format concerning Afghanistan provide a framework where Pakistan, India, and China can participate. We are ready to contribute in every possible way. This is in the interest of regional countries and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.”

Lavrov’s remarks on joint efforts to combat terrorism come after the Russian President recently described the interim Afghan government as Moscow’s ally in the fight against terrorism during the SCO summit.

Meanwhile, the interim government said that it has made effective efforts in securing borders and combating various forms of smuggling, while stressing the importance of collective efforts against terrorism.

Hamdullah Fitrat, deputy spokesperson of the Islamic Emirate, said: “The Islamic Emirate has taken effective steps, and these efforts are ongoing. Regarding regional challenges, all countries must fulfill their responsibilities.”

“I hope Afghanistan’s neighboring countries also realize that terrorism is an international phenomenon. Therefore, they should refrain from targeting Afghanistan alone in their statements,” said Zalmay Afghanyar, a military analyst.

Russia is one of the countries closely engaging with Afghanistan’s interim government. In addition to maintaining political and economic ties, it seeks to remove Islamic Emirate officials from the sanctions list.