Russia Urges Diplomatic Path to Ease Rising Tensions Between Afghanistan, Pakistan

(MENAFN) Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov emphasized the importance of diplomacy in addressing growing tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan during a phone conversation with Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Friday, according to reports.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia said the two officials discussed regional developments and also addressed broader geopolitical concerns, including the consequences of recent military actions targeting Iran.

“They discussed prospects for reducing military and political tensions in Afghan-Pakistani relations,” the statement said.

During the exchange, Lavrov underscored the importance of resolving disagreements between Kabul and Islamabad through peaceful dialogue and political engagement.

“It added that Lavrov emphasized the ‘need to resolve differences between Kabul and Islamabad through political and diplomatic means.’”

Relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan have worsened in recent weeks, with renewed clashes reported along their shared border. According to reports, exchanges of fire last week resulted in casualties and damage in areas near the frontier.

Authorities in Pakistan have accused Afghanistan of allowing militant groups to operate from its territory and launch attacks inside Pakistan. In response, Pakistani forces have continued a cross-border campaign known as “Ghazb lil Haq” since late February. Afghan officials have rejected the allegations and instead called for disputes to be addressed through negotiations.

Separately, Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova voiced concern about the escalating situation and urged both countries to seek a diplomatic resolution.

She called on the two sides to “abandon this dangerous confrontation and return to the negotiating table to settle all disagreements through political and diplomatic means.”

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