Lavrov promises to support Afghanistan in stabilizing situation
MOSCOW. June 4 (Interfax) - Moscow stands ready to do all it can to help the situation in Afghanistan stabilize, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said at a meeting with his Afghan counterpart Salahuddin Rabbani on the sidelines of a high-level conference dealing with security and stability in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) region.
"Our countries have had longstanding good relations. We will be doing all we can to help you stabilize your country," Lavrov said, addressing Rabbani.
"As we understand, a national unity government has finally been formed. We reaffirm our willingness to closely cooperate with the Afghan leadership in all areas," he said.
Lavrov suggested that Afghanistan should stabilize its economy and continue efforts to combat drug trafficking and terrorism.
Afghan Foreign Minister Rabbani asked Moscow to help arrange dialogue between Kabul and Islamabad and reaffirmed his country's willingness to promote cooperation with Russia.
"A national unity government has been formed in our country, and it is fully determined to work for Afghanistan's good and expand cooperation with Russia," Rabbani said.
"We hope Pakistan will apply some efforts to normalize relations between our countries," he said.
Rabbani urged Moscow to facilitate a dialogue between the two countries.
"We also asked our friends, Russia, to provide their assistance in inviting Pakistan to start a frank and substantive dialogue on stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan," he said.
He said he hoped this process would start as soon as possible.