High-level contact between Kabul, Moscow this week

KABUL (Pajhwok): National Security Advisor Mohammad Hanif Atmar is expected to travel to the Russian capital Moscow this week, an official said on Sunday.

Tawab Ghorzang, the National Security Council (NSC) spokesman, told Pajhwok Afghan News Atmar would be meeting Russian foreign minister during his visit.

He said the Afghan peace process, security issues and regional matters would come under discussion at the high level contact.

Meanwhile, a statement from the Russian Embassy in Kabul said that Atmar and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov would meet on March 16 in Moscow.

Bilateral cooperation, the Afghan reconciliation process, security and regional issues would be discussed during the meetings, the statement said.

Atmar is traveling to Russia at a time when Moscow’s relations with Taliban are believed to be growing.

Earlier, the Russian foreign ministry had once again acknowledged contracts with the Taliban. Moscow had said their contacts with Taliban were limited and aimed to encourage the outlawed group towards peace talks.

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