On April 13, the fourth ministers conference of neighboring countries to Afghanistan is scheduled to take place in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. The Russian foreign ministry confirmed that Sergei Lavrov will chair the Russian delegation and oversee the talks as part of the conference proceedings. The official statement from the diplomatic mission indicates that Lavrov will lead Russia’s participation in the discussions, highlighting the role of the Russian Federation in shaping regional dialogue around Afghanistan’s stability and security.
Representatives from China, Iran, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan are expected to attend the summit, underscoring a broad regional focus on shared concerns and cooperative approaches to regional security, humanitarian needs, and reconstruction efforts in Afghanistan. The event is framed as a platform for neighboring states to coordinate perspectives and explore practical steps that can contribute to regional stability.
During a prior engagement in New York at the end of April, Lavrov addressed questions about potential meetings with the United States Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken. He stated that Moscow has not dismissed serious negotiation proposals and would evaluate any such offers through appropriate channels in coordination with Russia’s foreign policy leadership. This stance reflects a willingness to engage in diplomacy when there is a credible and constructive basis for discussion.
Earlier, Lavrov held discussions with Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan. The Russian side sought clarity on when Mirzoyan would be traveling to India, and Mirzoyan provided the timing the day before. The ongoing dialogue between Moscow and Yerevan continued without press coverage, indicating routine diplomatic exchanges that precede broader negotiations and regional consultations.