Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on 3/7 called Russia's recognition a new phase of "positive, mutually respectful, and constructive relations," adding that "this courageous decision will set an example for others. As the recognition process begins, Russia has taken the lead."

Afghan Foreign Ministry spokesman Zia Ahmad Takal later confirmed that Russia had become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government.

The Afghan Foreign Minister (left) and his Russian counterpart Lavrov in Moscow in April 2024. Photo: AFP

The Afghan Foreign Minister (left) and his Russian counterpart Lavrov in Moscow in April 2024. Photo: AFP

The Russian Foreign Ministry stated, "We believe that recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will facilitate effective bilateral cooperation between our two countries in several areas."

Russian officials emphasized the potential for trade and economic cooperation with Afghanistan in energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure. Moscow hopes to continue supporting Kabul "in strengthening regional security and combating threats from terrorism and drug trafficking."

Russia was among the first countries to establish contact with the Taliban after the group seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021. In July 2024, President Vladimir Putin described the Taliban as "Russia's ally in the fight against terrorism."

In April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of "terrorist organizations," paving the way for high-level contact between officials from both sides. Russia was also the first country to open a business representative office in Kabul after the Taliban takeover.

Ngoc Anh (AFP)