ATHENS. Oct 21 (Interfax) - Russia will welcome all interested parties, including Western countries, joining in dialogue on Afghanistan, if they have such a desire, Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matviyenko said.
"We need to join the efforts of various states here. Everyone who is interested in constructive dialogue, everyone who is on the same platform as Russia, we will be only happy if other countries join the dialogue, the talks, make their contribution to the peaceful settlement of the situation in Afghanistan," Matviyenko told reporters on Thursday, responding to a question whether Russia will offer to host consultations on Afghanistan in the Moscow format to the West.
"But we would like deeds, not words, which is important. If there is such a constructive business approach and a desire to participate, we will only welcome it. Russia never closes, we are open to cooperation," she said.
Matviyenko said, citing the Russian Foreign Ministry, that the dialogue in the Moscow format on October 20 was useful and constructive, but it is only the beginning of the path.