In a joint press conference with Sergey Lavrov, Russia’s Foreign Minister, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif stated that the developments in Afghanistan hold “special significance” for both countries, and Tehran and Moscow will continue their consultations and discussions regarding issues related to Afghanistan.
Zarif emphasized, “The developments in Afghanistan are of great interest to both Russia and us. Our discussions on this matter have been ongoing, and we intend to continue consulting on this issue further.”
Lavrov, for his part, confirmed that Russia will continue its cooperation on Afghan matters through the “Moscow format” and the meetings of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries.
He added, “We remain engaged in Afghanistan-related matters through various frameworks, including the Moscow format and meetings of Afghanistan’s neighboring countries. Additionally, we have continued cooperation and interaction within the quadrilateral group of Iran, China, Russia, and Pakistan.”
Political affairs analysts stress that both Iran and Russia play key roles in regional affairs, and their shared stance could significantly impact Afghanistan’s situation.
Political analyst Ahmad Khan Andar remarked, “Russia and Iran are powerful countries in the region and the world. Their meetings, consultations, and stance can have a positive impact on other neighboring countries and the world. They must align their policies with Afghanistan’s current circumstances, not solely based on global competition.”
Another political expert, Salim Paygir, says that while Iran and Russia have maintained close diplomatic and economic relations with Afghanistan’s de-facto government over the past three years, they have yet to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate. He said, “Both countries have good relations with China, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian countries. If they choose, in coordination with these countries, they could formally recognize us.”
Since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power, both Iran and Russia have continued their economic and diplomatic relations with Afghanistan, entrusting the Afghan embassies in their countries to representatives of the Islamic Emirate. However, neither country has formally recognized the Islamic Emirate as of yet.
