Comment by the Information and Press Department on the start of intra-Afghan peace talks

On September 12, Doha hosted the opening ceremony of intra-Afghan peace talks aimed at ending the long-term armed conflict and establishing peace in the country. On the Russian side, the event was attended by Presidential Special Representative for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov.

We welcome the launch of the negotiation process, and are looking forward to a fast completion of the technical procedures by the parties and a start of the discussion of key issues on the national reconciliation agenda. We urge the Afghan parties to discuss the introduction of a lasting ceasefire as a priority for the first round of dialogue.

Russia supports Afghanistan developing as a peaceful, independent and neutral state, free from terrorism and drugs and coexisting in peace and harmony with its close neighbours and other countries in the region. Together with our international partners, we intend to continue to promote an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned national reconciliation process.