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Vladimir Putin's visit to China

Russia, China note constructive role of Moscow format in Afghan settlement process

The last, fifth meeting was held in September 2023 in Moscow

BEIJING, May 16. /TASS/. Moscow and Beijing have noted the constructive role of the Moscow format of consultations and other mechanisms of political settlement of the Afghan crisis, according to a joint statement signed by Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

"The sides note and support the active and constructive role of regional venues for the political settlement of the Afghan problem - the Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan, the mechanism of Afghanistan's neighboring countries, the regional Quartet of Russia-China-Iran-Pakistan, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization," the statement said.

The Moscow format was established in 2017 on the basis of a six-party mechanism of consultations among the special representatives of Russia, Afghanistan, India, Iran, China and Pakistan. Its first meeting was held on April 14, 2017 with the participation of 11 countries, including Afghanistan. The main objective of the format is to help advance the national reconciliation process in Afghanistan and bring peace to the country as soon as possible.

The last, fifth meeting was held in September 2023 in Moscow with the participation of Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister in the government formed by the radical Taliban movement (banned in Russia). Russian President's Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov told TASS that the Moscow format on Afghanistan will continue its work in 2024.

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Foreign policy Vladimir Putin's visit to China

Military operation in Ukraine

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The report also stated that this delivery highlights the strengthening of military-technical cooperation between Russia and Niger

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FACTBOX: What to know about attacks of militants on Syria’s government forces

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Russia not going to leave strikes deep inside country unanswered — Putin

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Kremlin considers militants' attack on Aleppo encroachment on Syria's sovereignty

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Here are the key points about the strikes on Ukrainian military-industrial facilities

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Oreshnik becomes serious problem for Ukraine — Polish general

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Western analysts describe Russia's Oreshnik as longest-range weapon ever used in Europe

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NATO growing more inclined to freeze Ukraine conflict — Russia’s SVR

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Kiev troops attempted to kill British mercenary who surrendered to Russians — officer

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Putin approves purchase of Russian Elevator Company from French grain trader Louis Dreyfus

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Israel prohibits residents of 60 villages in southern Lebanon from returning home

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Zelensky reshuffles Ukrainian military command

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Lavrov clarifies Russia's position on Ukraine crisis to foreign diplomats — MFA

"Participants in the roundtable exchanged views on the conflict and other pressing international topics," the ministry stated

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North Korean leader sees missile strikes inside Russia as Western involvement in conflict

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Hungarian PM’s office rules out his trip to Moscow for 80th anniversary of Victory

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Hezbollah to coordinate moves with Lebanese military as part of ceasefire

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