Russian Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov was in Islamabad Jan. 25 for meetings on Afghanistan. His delegation met with Pakistan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Hina Rabbani Khar. The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs tweeted about the session that, “The two sides stressed the importance of working together to promote regional peace and stability; the need for practical engagement with the Interim Afghanistan Government; and to promote regional solutions through the Moscow Format and Neighboring Countries of Afghanistan.”
The stance of Russia and Pakistan, according to media accounts, remains that they will not formally recognize the Taliban Kabul acting government until there is more “inclusivity” of governance, and more respect for women’s rights. However, they are continuing engagement with Afghanistan. Kabulov visited Kabul earlier this month.
Also, earlier in January, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang spoke with Afghanistan acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, and affirmed the same point. Qin said that China supports Kabul in establishing “a broad and inclusive political structure.”
