Afghanistan has urged regional powers not to depict it as a source of instability, with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi telling his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov that the country has transformed from a security concern into a partner for peace and economic cooperation.

Speaking during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 7th Moscow Format Consultative Meeting, Muttaqi said some parties were trying to undermine the progress achieved under the Islamic Emirate.

“Some parties, instead of recognizing the peace and stability achieved in Afghanistan, are trying to portray the country as a regional threat,” he said. “This positive transformation should be supported so that past mistakes are not repeated.”

Lavrov acknowledged the Islamic Emirate’s efforts to stabilize Afghanistan, saying Moscow recognized Kabul’s growing confidence and governance capacity. Both sides agreed to expand cooperation in trade, transit, and infrastructure, underscoring that economic engagement was essential to regional stability.

Muttaqi thanked Russia for formally recognizing the Islamic Emirate, calling it a foundation for “genuine regional cooperation.”

The meeting was held alongside broader Moscow Format discussions attended by representatives from Afghanistan, Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, India, and Central Asian states, focused on reconciliation, counterterrorism, and regional security.