Russia, EU Hail Similar Position on Afghanistan Situation

Russia and the EU have no controversy on fight against international terrorism as well as the situation surrounding Afghanistan, including aspects of a post-Taliban settlement, visiting Belgian Foreign Minister Louis Michel said here Friday.

Michel, who is here on a working visit, made the remarks after talks with his Russian counterpart Igor Ivanov.

Ivanov in his turn confirmed that "we have very similar judgments regarding the situation surrounding Afghanistan and especially the post-crisis development of that country."

The EU and Moscow agreed that together with the military operation in Afghanistan, the international community should make efforts to achieve a political settlement in that country, he noted.

Ivanov said his talks with Michel also dealt with the coordination of both sides to render humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, and in the future, to offer "assistance for the country's restoration."

Michel, also chairman-in-office of the EU "Troika", just ended his Central Asian trip before arriving in Moscow.






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