Kazem Jalali said in a post on X that the 8th meeting of the Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan began in Moscow on Monday, October 5, with the participation of an Iranian diplomatic delegation and senior officials from the region.

He stressed that “lasting stability in Afghanistan” can only be achieved through the formation of an inclusive political structure involving all ethnic groups and firm opposition to the establishment of any foreign military bases or infrastructure in the region.

The Moscow Format meeting has brought together Afghanistan and regional countries to discuss the situation in the country and broader regional concerns. The consultations focus on political and economic cooperation, regional peace and security, counterterrorism and counternarcotics efforts, as well as economic connectivity and continued engagement with Afghanistan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov addressed the opening session. The Afghan delegation is headed by Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, while representatives from Iran, India, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan are participating. Belarus and Egypt have been invited as guests. A joint statement is expected at the conclusion of the meeting.