Russia Becomes First Country to Recognize Taliban Government in Afghanistan

Russia has formally recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group returned to power in August 2021.

The Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it has accepted the credentials of Afghanistan’s new ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan, stating that the move will support the development of bilateral cooperation in areas such as security, trade, energy, transport, and agriculture.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the decision, calling it a “historic step” and expressing hope that it would encourage other nations to establish formal diplomatic ties with Afghanistan under Taliban leadership.

The announcement follows Russia’s earlier decision to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations. Russian officials have emphasized the importance of regional stability and counterterrorism efforts, noting that practical engagement with the authorities in Kabul is necessary for addressing shared security concerns.

Russia has maintained trade agreements with Afghanistan in recent years, including deals involving oil, gas, and wheat exports, and has hosted Taliban delegations for discussions on economic and security cooperation.

While Russia has moved to formalize diplomatic ties, most countries have refrained from granting official recognition to the Taliban government, citing concerns over human rights and the treatment of women and minorities in Afghanistan.

With input from Al Jazeera.