Sochi, Oct 20 (UNI) Ahead of the Moscow Format talks being held today, with participation of India, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has said that Russia is not considering any possibility of official recognition of the Taliban.

"The official recognition [of the Taliban] is not being discussed and it has been stated publicly," Lavrov told journalists on Tuesday, Tass reported.

He noted that "like other countries that have influence in the region," Russia maintains contacts with the Taliban and hopes the Taliban will keep its promises and take measures to ensure the inclusiveness of the Afghan government not only from the ethnic but also from the political point of view.

On Tuesday, a meeting of the special representatives of Russia, China and Pakistan for Afghanistan – also known as Troika talks - took place in Moscow. The US declined to attend the talks citing logistical reasons.

The participants exchanged views on common security threats, expressed their joint interest in providing Afghanistan with urgent humanitarian and economic assistance, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

On Wednesday, the Russian capital will host the Third meeting of the Moscow Format of consultations on Afghanistan.

It is expected that the event will be attended by representatives from 10 countries of the region (including India), as well as a delegation of the Taliban representing Afghanistan.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov will address the participants.

During the meeting, it is planned to discuss prospects for development of the military-political situation in Afghanistan and the formation of an inclusive government.

Participants will also touch upon the issues of consolidating efforts of the international community to prevent a humanitarian crisis in this country.

Following the meeting, it is planned to adopt a joint statement, it said.

India’s participation at the talks will be at the Joint Secretary level.

UNI/RN