Russia keen to mediate to ease Pakistan–Afghanistan tensions

Russia has offered to mediate to ease ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said this to press on Sunday, November 16. Zakharova told a press briefing at the Kremlin that ensuring regional stability is Russia’s top priority.

She said Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov and Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araghchi spoke over the phone on Friday to discuss reducing tensions between the two countries.

Zakharova welcomed the recent ceasefire agreement along the Afghan–Pakistan border mediated by Qatar and Turkey.

Describing Pakistan and Afghanistan as key regional partners, she warned that border tensions could pose a major threat to regional security. She said effective mediation in such a situation could help establish lasting peace.

The Russian foreign ministry stressed that durable solutions to bilateral disputes are possible only through dialogue and negotiation. Both countries have been urged to exercise restraint, resolve differences through talks and refrain from actions that could escalate tensions.

Russia added that current tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan could become a major obstacle to regional stability. It said the continuation of dialogue is therefore essential.