The influence of the militant Islamic State (IS) in Afghanistan can be expected to grow Russia, China and Pakistan has warned, as the security situation in that country is deteriorating.
A joint statement issued after the third round of trilateral consultations on regional issues between Russian, Chinese and Pakistani officials held in Moscow, said, "(The three countries) expressed particular concern about the rising activity in the country of extremist groups, including the Afghan branch of IS."
The Dawn quoted Russian foreign ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova, as telling reporters after the meeting that Russia, China and Pakistan had "noted the deterioration of the security situation (in Afghanistan)".
The three countries also agreed to a "flexible approach to remove certain figures from sanctions lists as part of efforts to foster a peaceful dialogue between Kabul and the Taliban movement," Zakharova added.
A number of Afghan provincial capitals have come under pressure from the Taliban this year while Afghan forces have been suffering high casualty rates, with more than 5,500 killed in the first eight months of 2016.
Representatives from the three countries also agreed to invite the Afghan government to such talks in the future, the Russian foreign ministry said.
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