Lavrov urges Afghan asset release, banking access

KABUL (Pajhwok): Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, speaking at the “Moscow Format” consultations on Afghanistan, called for the unfreezing of Afghan state assets and the removal of restrictions on its banking system.

The seventh Moscow Format meeting on Afghanistan was held on Tuesday, with participants expected to discuss steps toward national reconciliation in Afghanistan and expanding cooperation between Kabul and regional countries across all spheres of interstate relations.

The Moscow Format includes Russia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, China, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.

At the opening of the consultations, Lavrov praised the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan for combating the regional branch of the Islamic State and fighting drug trafficking, according to The Moscow Times.

He criticized the West for its “confrontational policy,” including the continued freezing of Afghan state assets and banking restrictions.

“We call on Western countries to correct their course, return the assets they have seized, and take responsibility for Afghanistan’s reconstruction,” Lavrov said.

He also warned against establishing foreign military bases in Afghanistan or neighboring countries. “History has shown us the catastrophic consequences of foreign military interference. We cannot afford to repeat these mistakes,” he said.

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