The United States is continuing its efforts to deploy military bases in a country neighboring Afghanistan, Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov told Russian Television (RT) in an interview.
Sergey Lavrov stressed that proposals have been sent to Pakistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan as well, but were rejected by the countries’ officials.
“Well aware of the Americans’ intrusiveness, I do not rule out that they will be pressing for the same aim from different sides. I’ve heard that they have been trying to persuade India to grant the Pentagon some opportunities on the Indian territory,” he said.
Lavrov said that Russian President Vladimir Putin told his American counterpart Joe Biden that Russia is against US attempts to form agreements with Central Asian countries to deploy the US military on their territory.
Vladimir Putin and Joe Biden discussed the issue at the Geneva summit, according to Lavrov.
At the same time, the US proposals to deploy military forces near Afghanistan drew various reactions.
“Certainly, the bases would be for suppressing Al Qaeda and Daesh, but the disaster would be with Afghans, ( Afghans will suffer ),” said Sayed Ishaq Gailani, head of the National Solidarity Movement of Afghanistan.
“Forming military bases will affect therajab security of the region,” said Shukria Barekzai, former diplomat.
Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate officials said the US should not pursue its previous strategy.
“The Islamic Emirate is committed to its policy, no country including neighboring countries and the world will be threatened from Afghanistan, besides this, the Emirate is seeking good relations with world countries,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman of the Islamic Emirate.
