FM Lavrov: Russia regrets US absence at Moscow-format meeting on Afghanistan

According to the diplomat, this absence might be due to the recent resignation of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad

Russia regrets the absence of the US at the Moscow-format negotiations on Afghanistan and hopes that Washington remains committed to cooperating, Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Wednesday, Qazet.az reports citing Sputnik.

"We express regret over our US counterparts not participating in this meeting. We have noticed that the US has avoided the Extended Troika meeting for the second time in a row... I hope this is not caused by some serious problems", Lavrov said.

According to the diplomat, this absence might be due to the recent resignation of US Special Representative for Afghanistan Zalmay Khalilzad.

"I hope that the US remains ready to actively engage in the effort on Afghanistan and the new special representative will join further steps, including following this round of talks in the Moscow format", the foreign minister added.