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Russia regrets Iran cannot join Extended Troika on Afghanistan, presidential envoy says

According to Zamir Kabulov, Iran is one of the key players on the "Afghan track"

MOSCOW, August 3. /TASS/. Russia regrets that the current situation in Iran-US relations does not allow Tehran to join the Extended Troika on Peaceful Settlement in Afghanistan (Russia, the US, China and Pakistan), Russian Special Presidential Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said during an online discussion hosted by the Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund on Tuesday.

"When the Extended Troika was established, the parties were guided by the understanding that Iran would be its fifth member. However, given the well-known situation in relations between Iran and the United States, the Iranians are for political and ideological reasons unwilling to come to the same negotiation table with the Americans and address issues. It is their right," Kabulov emphasized. "However, we regret it as we indeed miss Iran as a partner because, at this stage, it would be important for us to work together with the Iranians, Pakistanis, Chinese and Americans to end the stalemate in the political settlement process in Afghanistan," he added.

According to the Russian presidential envoy, Iran is one of the key players on the "Afghan track." "Personally, I think that it is Pakistan and Iran that are the most important and influential countries in terms of the Afghan issue," Kabulov pointed out.

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