Russia Officially Recognises Afghanistan's Taliban Govt: 'New Phase Of Positive Ties'

Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 23:47 IST

In April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations and has since invited them to official events

Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov with Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi. (Image via X/@MoFA_Afg)

Russia on Thursday officially recognised the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, describing it as a “historic step" towards stronger ties. Afghan officials welcomed the decision, calling it the start of a new phase of positive relations and mutual respect between the two countries.

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the announcement on X, along with a photo from the meeting between Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov and Afghanistan’s Acting Foreign Minister, Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.

During the meeting, Zhirnov conveyed Russia’s formal decision to recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA). He called the move as an important moment that would strengthen diplomatic ties between Moscow and Kabul.

Afghan Foreign Minister Muttaqi welcomed the recognition, calling it a “new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement". He said this decision would be remembered as a major development in bilateral relations and could serve as an example for other countries.

Muttaqi added that the move would further deepen ties and boost collaboration between Afghanistan and Russia.

This announcement comes just days after a Taliban diplomat was sent to Moscow to take up the role of Afghanistan’s ambassador — the first top envoy to Russia appointed by the group since it returned to power in 2021. On Tuesday, Gul Hassan, a former Taliban consul in Pakistan, arrived in the Russian capital and said he would soon take up his duties.

Russia has gradually expanded both diplomatic and economic ties with the Taliban since the group took control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US forces and the fall of the previous government in 2021.

While several countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), have accepted Taliban-appointed diplomats, none had previously recognised the Taliban as the official government of Afghanistan.

In April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations and has since invited them to official events. In 2022, Moscow had already accepted a Taliban-appointed chargé d’affaires.

Russia was also the first country to open a business representative office in Kabul after the Taliban’s takeover. Moscow has announced plans to use Afghanistan as a transit route for gas supplies heading to Southeast Asia.

In July last year, Russian President Vladimir Putin referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism," signalling a continued shift in diplomatic relations.

(With inputs from AFP)

Kabul, Afghanistan

News world Russia Officially Recognises Afghanistan's Taliban Govt: 'New Phase Of Positive Ties'