Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, during his official visit to Islamabad, held discussions with Pakistani officials on enhancing regional coordination to ensure peace and stability in Afghanistan.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Pakistan said in a statement that Kabulov met with Pakistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister and the head of the Afghanistan and West Asia division, agreeing to remain committed to efforts for achieving a prosperous and peaceful Afghanistan.
The statement reads: “The Special Representative of the President of the Russian Federation on Afghanistan, Ambassador Zamir Kabulov, met with the Foreign Secretary Amna Baloch and Additional Secretary (Afghanistan and West Asia) Ahmad Naseem Warraich in Islamabad. The two sides exchanged views on relations with Afghanistan and called for enhanced coordination among regional countries for a peaceful and prosperous Afghanistan.”
“Steps may be taken to improve relations between Kabul and Islamabad, and discussions could focus on how coordination between Kabul and Islamabad can be established under current conditions. Economic, political, and social relations must be shaped in a way that strengthens ties between the two countries,” said Edris Mohammadi Zazai, a political analyst.
Russia has consistently called for resolving Afghanistan’s issues through neighboring countries. Previously, the speaker of Russia’s Senate, during an official visit to Pakistan, stated that Russia and Pakistan share a common approach to international issues and matters related to Afghanistan.
Some political analysts have expressed differing views regarding the visit of Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan to Pakistan.
“The issue of TTP, Pakistan’s current economic situation, and its political turmoil require resolution. For this, joint cooperation among China, Russia, Iran, and Gulf countries is necessary,” said Mohammad Aslam Danishyar, a political analyst.
“If Kabulov or other diplomats truly wish to solve Afghanistan’s problems, they need to engage with the Afghan people and the current government, addressing and resolving the challenges in the region,” said Sayed Akbar Sial Wardak, another political analyst.
This comes as in recent months, Pakistan has repeatedly accused Afghanistan of harboring anti-Pakistan elements and has also faced tensions regarding the expulsion of Afghan refugees, overshadowing relations between Kabul and Islamabad.