Moscow, Turkey huddles no alternative to Doha talks

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday appreciated the efforts and support of neighboring and regional countries for peace in Afghanistan and emphasized on their continuity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said the conferences in Russia and Turkey were not an alternative to the Qatar process, but part of that process.

The ministry said the Doha talks between the Afghan government and the Taliban would continue in future as well.

The statement said Afghanistan appreciated sincere efforts of the Government of Qatar in securing peace, especially the hosting of peace talks and hoped these joint efforts would yield the desired results.

A meeting between the Taliban, Afghan politicians, and special envoys from the United States, Russia, China, Pakistan and Qatar is scheduled to take place in Moscow on 18 March.

A similar event will also be held in Turkey in April.

A 16-member delegation from Kabul led by Dr. Abdullah Abdullah is attending the Moscow summit, the Ministry of Peace and Security announced on Tuesday.

bk/ma