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Putin highlights need to work with government formed by Taliban

According to Russian President, it would be optimal to foster the dialogue "through the mechanism of the extended troika on Afghanistan, this work is already in progress"

NOVO-OGARYOVO, September 17. /TASS/. The Afghan government formed by the Taliban (outlawed in Russia) is not representative and inclusive, but it is essential to work with it, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday at a joint meeting of the leaders of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).

"The Taliban movement, having actually become the country’s sole master, formed its government, which assumed responsibility for Afghanistan’s future. This is an interim government, as the Taliban themselves say, and it cannot be really called representative or inclusive," he said, adding that there are no members of other ethnic groups in it.

"However, it appears that it is necessary to work with it too. As for recognition, I believe, and I agree with those who spoke about it, that we need to coordinate our stance on the issue," the Russian leader stressed.

According to Putin, it would be optimal to foster the dialogue "through the mechanism of the extended troika on Afghanistan (Russia, China, Pakistan and the US — TASS), this work is already in progress." He also cited the previous Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan that involved other countries of the SCO and the CSTO. "Its work can be revived if necessary and if all its member states agree," the Russian leader said.

In addition, Putin mentioned his proposal to explore the possibility of resuming the activities of the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, "which was set up to work with Afghan partners.".