2010-08-19 10:32

(R-L) Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari, Afghan President Hamid Karzai and Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon arrive for a group photo at health resort Rus in Sochi, August 18, 2010. [Photo/Agencies]

SOCHI, Russia - Afghan President Hamid Karzai sought President Dmitry Medvedev's help for his nation on Wednesday.

Russia's foreign minister said Moscow was in talks with NATO and Afghanistan on a plan to send helicopters to help fight insurgents, but no firm deals emerged from a summit that brought Karzai and Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari to Russia.

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"Afghanistan will need the support of friends and from great countries like Russia," Karzai told Medvedev as they sat down for a one-on-one meeting at the Russian president's summer residence near the Black Sea.

At a gathering analysts said was aimed to boost the Kremlin's clout in Afghanistan amid US plans for an eventual withdrawal, Medvedev also met separately with Zardari and Tajik President Imomali Rakhmon.

When all four leaders met, Zardari urged them to "make the region come together and fight against this war of ideology ... We should support the Afghani people."

Russia has warmer ties with India than with Pakistan, but has been reaching out as it seeks more regional sway. A similar four-way meeting was held last year in Tajikistan.

Medvedev said Russia has sent aid to help Pakistan cope with devastating flooding and is prepared to do more. "Pakistan will come out of this a stronger nation," said Zardari.

Medvedev told Karzai that Russia "naturally supports the Afghan government's fight against terrorism, and is ready to help in any way."

Russia handed NATO a proposal on the delivery of about 20 helicopters several months ago, "and now we are awaiting a firm answer from our partners," Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said. He said a decision was expected within six weeks.