According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, invitations to take part in the event have been sent to Afghanistan, India, Iran, China, Pakistan, the US and some other countries.
The Taliban is sending a delegation from its political office in Qatar, reportedly led by Sher Abbas Stanekzai, and this is possibly the first time Taliban leaders and any Indian representatives, official or otherwise, will participate in such talks.
"The Moscow format of talks is aimed at establishing an inclusive inter-Afghan dialogue in the interests of advancing the process of national reconciliation," Lavrov said as he opened the meeting that has brought together representatives of the Afghan authorities and the Taliban.
Russia's first attempt to hold the meeting in September fell through after the Afghan authorities refused to attend. This time, the Afghan government hasn't sent its envoys, but several members of the government-appointed Peace Council are attending the event.
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