The seventh Moscow Format Consultations on Afghanistan concluded in Moscow on October 7, with participating nations issuing a joint statement rejecting any attempt by foreign powers to establish military bases in Afghanistan or neighboring countries.
According to a statement from the Russian Embassy, participants labeled such actions as “unacceptable,” asserting that they do not serve the interests of regional peace and stability. The remarks came amid reports that former US President Donald Trump suggested Washington seeks to regain control of Bagram Airbase in Afghanistan.
The meeting included representatives from Afghanistan, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with Belarus attending as a guest. For the first time, an Afghan delegation led by Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi participated as a full member.
The joint communiqué reaffirmed support for a sovereign, unified, and peaceful Afghanistan, stressing the need to enhance economic and trade cooperation, investment partnerships, and regional connectivity. The nations also highlighted progress in health, agriculture, poverty reduction, and disaster management, contributing to Afghanistan’s self-reliance and sustainable growth.
The participants pledged continued humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people and urged the international community to expedite aid delivery without political interference.
On the issue of security, the nations emphasized stronger counter-terrorism cooperation, calling on Afghan authorities to ensure that their territory is not used against neighboring or other states. Terrorism, they noted, remains a major threat to Afghanistan, the wider region, and global peace.
The gathering concluded by urging countries responsible for Afghanistan’s current state to honor their commitments toward the nation’s economic recovery and long-term stability, stressing that **regional responsibility—not foreign interference—**is key to lasting peace.
