Russia has called for a diplomatic resolution to rising tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, with Deputy Permanent Representative Anna Evstigneeva raising the issue at a UN Security Council briefing on Afghanistan.
Moscow voiced concern at the continued friction between the two neighbouring states, directly tying the tensions with terrorist acts by Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan. Russia described both Afghanistan and Pakistan as friendly nations and called for the situation to be brought back onto a political and diplomatic track.
The Russian statement also extended an offer of assistance and support to both sides, signaling Moscow’s willingness to play a role in stabilizing relations. Russia also urged to resume mutually beneficial cooperation between Kabul and Islamabad, particularly in the fight against terrorism.
Russia is a permanent member of the Security Council and has historical relations with both nations, lending credibility to the statement. It also underscores the increase in international focus on the Afghanistan-Pakistan fault line, which has been bedeviled by cross-border militant activities, especially by the TTP, that has severely impacted bilateral relations in the last two years.
Pakistan has long maintained that the Afghan Taliban provides sanctuary to TTP operatives. Kabul has refuted those accusations. There have been no diplomatic channels between the two governments to resolve the situation. Russia’s involvement at the Security Council level indicates that this is beyond the bilateral level of concern.
