MOSCOW. March 12 (Interfax) - Moscow will host an expanded meeting on Afghanistan at the level of special representatives on March 18, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said.
"It will take place at the level of the special representatives of Russia, China, the U.S., and Pakistan and will be dedicated to the intra-Afghan settlement," Zakharova said at a press briefing in Moscow on Friday.
"A delegation of the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, of the High Council for National Reconciliation of this state, prominent Afghan political figures, members of the Taliban movement [banned in Russia], and Qatar as a guest of honor are also expected to take part" in the event, she said.
The participants in the meeting will discuss steps to promote intra-Afghan talks and ways to reduce violence and stop the armed conflict, Zakharova said.
Bilateral meetings may take place on the sidelines of the event, "if such requests come in," Zakharova said in response to reporters' questions.
"The schedule is being fine-tuned now," she said.