Russia: Afghanistan Must be Independent State without Foreign Military Bases

DID Press: Sergey Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service (SVR), said that Moscow’s position is that Afghanistan should remain an independent state without any foreign military bases on its soil. He added that plans are currently being formulated for mutually beneficial, equal cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan.

Speaking on the sidelines of the meeting of CIS intelligence and security chiefs in Samarkand, Naryshkin told reporters: “Afghanistan has always attracted the attention of many international players. The position of the Russian Federation is clear — Afghanistan should remain an independent state without military bases. This is in the interest of the regional states and, above all, the citizens of Afghanistan.”

Naryshkin further emphasized that maintaining positive relations with Afghanistan requires open dialogue and cooperation based on equality and mutual benefit.

“At present, plans are being formulated to organize economic cooperation that will serve both sides. We urge other countries to adopt the same approach, because only together we can restore a truly peaceful life in in this country,” he added.

Moscow has recognized the “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan”. On July 1, Gul Hassan, the Taliban government’s newly appointed ambassador, arrived in Moscow. His credentials were officially accepted by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrei Rudenko on July 3.