Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced on Thursday that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has been officially invited to the upcoming Moscow Format Consultations, set to take place within the next two weeks.

During a program highlighting the annual achievements of the Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi confirmed the receipt of an official invitation, stating: “The official invitation has been received, and a high-level delegation of the Islamic Emirate will attend the meeting.”

In a related development, Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov met with Muttaqi on Wednesday and emphasized the importance of the Islamic Emirate's participation in all regional and international meetings hosted by Russia. Zhirnov underscored the significance of the relationship between Moscow and the Islamic Emirate for Russia.

Political analysts have also highlighted Moscow's influence on Afghan affairs. Fazl Rahman Orya, a political analyst, remarked, "The Moscow Format is interested in lifting all sanctions imposed by the US against Afghanistan." Another analyst, Saleem Paigir, suggested that continued participation in such meetings would benefit both the Islamic Emirate and the Afghan people.

Additionally, during a meeting with Russia's special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, the Political Deputy of the Afghan Prime Minister, requested Afghanistan's official membership in the Moscow Format.

The Moscow Format Consultations aim to address regional concerns and promote Afghanistan's reintegration into the international community. (ILKHA)