Russia, Iran Call for Easing Afghanistan-Pakistan Tensions

The foreign ministers of Russia and Iran have emphasized the need to ease tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Abbas Araghchi stressed the importance of reducing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan and continuing diplomatic consultations to address the issue.

Araghchi said Tehran and Moscow share a common position on easing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad.

Araghchi stated: “Our shared view with Russia is that regional issues cannot be resolved through military means. They must be addressed through diplomacy and political solutions. We agree on Afghanistan, reducing tensions between Kabul and Islamabad, and countering terrorist threats.”

Meanwhile, Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson described security along the country’s eastern borders as a key issue in Tehran’s discussions with Afghanistan and Pakistan, emphasizing that all three countries recognize the importance of shared security.

Esmaeil Baghaei added that any failure to address security threats on one side of the border could lead to instability spreading to neighboring countries.

Esmaeil Baghaei, spokesperson for Iran’s Foreign Ministry, said: “We address this issue in every discussion we have with Pakistani or Afghan officials, and appropriate measures have been considered with both the Afghan and Pakistani sides. We hope that joint cooperation in combating terrorism will help prevent any destabilizing or terrorist activities in any of the three countries.”

A day earlier, the Russian ambassador to Islamabad said that easing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan had been a key focus of discussions involving three senior Russian security officials in Kabul, New Delhi, and Islamabad.

He emphasized that Russia is working to find a lasting solution to the ongoing tensions between the two sides.

Naqibullah Noori, a university lecturer, said: “Russia is seeking to play an influential role in reducing regional tensions and promoting peace and stability for two reasons: regional trade and strengthening its position in the region.”

Regional efforts to resolve tensions between Kabul and Islamabad have intensified as the future of relations between the two sides remains uncertain and tensions continue.