The Afghan and Russian officials are expected to hold talks on host of issues including counter-terrorism and improvement of bilateral ties between Kabul and Moscow.

National Security Council spokesman Tawab Ghorzang said "Mohammad Haneef Atmar, National Security Adviser of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan will leave Kabul for Moscow, the capital of Russian Federation for a 3 day official visit starting from 16^th March until 18^th March 2017."

He said "During his visit from Moscow, he will meet his Russian counterpart Mr. Nikolai Patrushev, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu."

"NSA Mohammad Haneef Atmar will hold detailed talks with the above mentioned Russian officials on fight against terrorism, peace and stability in Afghanistan," he added

According to Ghorzang, the two sides will also discuss bilateral relationship between the two countries.

This comes as Russia is concerned of the growing activities of the militants affiliated with the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) terrorist groups amid reports Moscow is eventually holding talks with the Taliban group in a bid to counter the influence of the terror group to further expand towards the Central Asian States and Russia.

In the meantime, the commander of the US forces in Afghanistan and the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission commander General John Nicholson expressed concerns last month regarding the growing interferences by the regional countries in Afghanistan, including Pakistan, Iran and Russia.

LINK: https://www.ansarpress.com/english/5632

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