Russia, Pakistan warn of Daesh presence in Afghanistan

Elena Teslova

MOSCOW: Moscow and Islamabad are concerned about the Daesh terror group strengthening in northeastern Afghanistan, according to the foreign ministers of the two countries.

In a joint news conference in Moscow following a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov claimed there were thousands of Daesh militants in Afghanistan’s northeastern region.

Pakistan’s foreign minister, Khawaja Asif said Islamabad also saw the number of Daesh members in Afghanistan grow, adding the U.S. underestimated their number.

The Minister said Pakistan has rendered unprecedented sacrifices in war against terrorism and we want peace and stability in the region.

Asif said Afghan issue cannot be resolved through war as the Taliban has shifted to settled areas of Afghanistan.

The Minister also expressed gratitude to Russia for support in granting of membership to Pakistan in Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Asif lauded the role of both Pakistan and Russia in fighting terrorism.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said:

“We are alarmed as unfortunately, the US and NATO military in Afghanistan makes every effort to silence and deny [the IS presence].”

Lavrov and Asif agreed to cooperate militarily against terrorism and to hold joint exercises. (AA)