Afghan foreign minister, Russian presidential aide hold talks in Moscow

September 27, 2023

- Interim Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi arrives in Russia to attend meeting, expected to move on to Tatarstan for more talks

By Islamuddin Sajid

ISLAMABAD (AA) - Afghanistan's acting foreign minister has met with a Russian presidential adviser for talks on bilateral issues, including on how to strengthen ties, an official said late on Tuesday.

Interim Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, who arrived in Moscow on Monday leading a delegation, met with Russian officials before moving on to Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan Republic of the Russian Federation, where he is expected to attend more talks.

"In the meeting (with presidential aide Ruslan Edelgeriev), FM (Foreign Minister) Muttaqi stressed strengthening political & economic ties between the two countries, taking pragmatic steps," Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi said on X.

Muttaqi also emphasized the need to reflect "the real image of Afghanistan's current achievements" to the world.

The Taliban administration, which has faced widespread international criticism, particularly on women's rights, has vowed to resolve the issue of girls' education, stating it is a "need of our society."

The officials also agreed to continue interaction in the fields of climate change, education, trade, agriculture, industry, and sports.