MOSCOW, Feb 27 (Reuters) – Russia urged Afghanistan and Pakistan on Friday to halt cross-border attacks immediately and resolve their differences by diplomatic means.
Russia’s Relations with Afghanistan and Pakistan
Russia is the only country to officially recognise the Taliban government of Afghanistan, and also has good relations with Pakistan.
Kremlin Comments on Military Clashes
“Of course, the direct military clashes that have taken place do not bode well. Therefore we hope that they will cease as soon as possible… Like everyone else, we are closely monitoring this situation,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters.
Visit by Pakistan’s Prime Minister to Russia
Peskov confirmed a visit to Russia by Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif was being prepared, without giving a date. State news agency RIA said it would happen next week.
Foreign Ministry Warns of Escalation
Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said Moscow was concerned by the sharp military escalation between the two neighbours.
Call to Return to Negotiations
“We call on our friends Afghanistan and Pakistan to abandon this dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table to resolve all differences through political and diplomatic means,” she wrote on Telegram.
Credits
(Reporting by Marina Bobrova and Dmitry Antonovo, writing by Mark Trevelyan and Gleb Stolyarov; Editing by Sharon Singleton)