In light of shifting geopolitical dynamics, Russia is actively working to strengthen its relationship with the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
Afghan Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced, “Moscow will continue to develop its political, trade, and economic ties with Kabul.”
The Russian Foreign Ministry disclosed on Friday that a decision to remove the Afghan Taliban from its terrorist organization list has been “made at the highest level,” according to the state news agency TASS.
Zamir Kabulov, President Vladimir Putin’s special representative for Afghanistan, emphasized that this decision must undergo various legal procedures before it can be enacted.
In July, Putin expressed that Russia views the Taliban as an ally in the fight against terrorism.
Since the Taliban regained control in August 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces after two decades of conflict, Russia has been gradually strengthening its ties with the group, even though it remains officially banned in the country.
While no nation has formally recognized the Taliban-led government as Afghanistan’s legitimate authority, China and the UAE have accepted its ambassadors.
Russia designated the Afghan Taliban as a terrorist organization in 2003, and lifting this label would represent a significant step toward normalizing relations with Afghanistan.
During a speech in Moscow, Muttaqi commended recent actions by Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan to remove the Taliban from their lists of banned groups, stating, “We also appreciate the positive remarks from senior Russian officials on this matter and look forward to more effective actions soon.”
In separate remarks, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov underscored the importance of maintaining “pragmatic dialogue” with the Afghan government.
“It is clear that issues cannot be addressed, nor can discussions about an Afghan settlement occur without Kabul,” Lavrov stated.
He added that “Moscow will continue its efforts to strengthen political, trade, and economic relations with Kabul,” during a meeting with Muttaqi and representatives from neighboring countries.
While he did not specifically mention the Taliban, Lavrov praised the Afghan leadership for their efforts to reduce drug production and combat Daesh, which is banned in Russia.
Muttaqi highlighted the need for regional cooperation against Daesh, noting that the group has set up training centers outside of Afghanistan.
Lavrov also called on the United States to return confiscated Afghan assets and urged the West to take responsibility for the country’s post-conflict reconstruction.
Additionally, the Russian foreign minister advocated for increased humanitarian aid to Afghanistan, assuring that Russia would continue to provide food and essential goods.
Russia’s history in Afghanistan is complex, having invaded in 1979 to support a pro-Moscow regime and withdrawing a decade later after suffering heavy losses to mujahideen fighters.
In recent years, Russia and its post-Soviet neighbors have faced repeated attacks from militant groups linked to Afghanistan, including a deadly incident in March that resulted in 145 fatalities at a concert hall near Moscow, claimed by Daesh.
