Russia becomes the first nation to acknowledge the Taliban regime in Afghanistan

Russia has become the first country to formally recognise Taliban rule, with Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a “courageous” decision.

He met Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul on Thursday, officially conveying his government’s decision to recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.

Muttaqi said it marked “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement”, and that the shift would set “an example” for other countries.

The Taliban has sought international recognition and investment since their return to power in August 2021, despite reports of human rights violations.

“We believe that official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give an impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries,” Russia’s foreign ministry said in a statement.

It said Russia saw potential for “commercial and economic” cooperation in “energy, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure”, and would continue to help Kabul combat threats of terrorism and drug trafficking.