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Russian envoy, Afghan top diplomat discuss stabilization in Afghanistan - embassy

Among the topics discussed also were problems of the development of trade and economic ties

MOSCOW, January 15. /TASS/. Issues of regional security and problems of the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan were the focus of a meeting between visiting Russian president’s special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov and Foreign Minister of the interim Taliban [outlawed in Russia] government of Afghanistan Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Russian embassy in Kabul told TASS on Sunday.

"In line with an agreement reached last year, Russian presidential special envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov and Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with Afghan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. The sides discussed issues of regional security and problems of the stabilization of the situation in Afghanistan," the embassy said.

Muttaqu reassured Kabulov that "his country’s leadership is listening to the advice from the Russian friends and is working on the formation of an inclusive government, on human rights issues, including, naturally, the rights of women and girls," the embassy said.

"Among the topics discussed with the Afghan partners were problems of the development of trade and economic ties, including the growth of Russian imports and the formation of favorable conditions for Afghan exports to Russia, as well as cooperation in combating terrorism and the drug threat. The sides also discussed a schedule of possible bilateral contacts," the embassy added.

According to the embassy, the Russian diplomats reiterated Moscow’s commitment to the support for the Afghan people "in the interests of the soonest establishment of peace and the achievement of national reconciliation." "The Russian side called on the current Afghan government to heed those parts of the international community who are sincerely interested in the establishment of peace in Afghanistan, its development of an independent, sovereign and unified state free from terrorism and drugs," it noted.

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