ISLAMABAD (PEN) : In a significant diplomatic development, *Russia has formally recognized the Taliban government* in Afghanistan, becoming the first major global power to establish official ties with the Islamist regime.
Diplomatic Formalities Completed in Moscow
The recognition was marked by Russian Deputy Foreign Minister *Andrey Rudenko* accepting the credentials of Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador to Moscow, *Ghulam Hassan. This formal step was confirmed by Russia’s presidential envoy for Afghanistan, **Zamir Kabulov*.
The Taliban’s black-and-white flag was raised over the Afghan embassy in Moscow for the first time since the group’s takeover in August 2021, symbolizing the establishment of official diplomatic relations.
Background and Context
Earlier this year, in April, the *Russian Supreme Court removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a status the group held since 2003. The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan following the withdrawal of US and NATO forces in August 2021, subsequently declaring the country the **Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan*.
According to Russia’s ambassador to Kabul, *Dmitry Zhirnov*, President Vladimir Putin’s decision to recognize the Taliban was based on Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s recommendation. Zhirnov emphasized Russia’s historical ties with Afghanistan, noting Moscow was the first country to recognize Afghanistan’s independence over a century ago. He described the move as a step toward a “full-fledged partnership” with the Afghan people.
Regional Reactions and International Implications
While most of the international community has yet to recognize the Taliban government, several neighboring countries have begun re-engaging with Kabul. Earlier this year, *Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan removed the Taliban from their terrorist lists, Turkmenistan resumed cooperation via the **TAPI gas pipeline project*, and Uzbekistan signed multiple agreements with the Taliban last August.
Afghanistan’s ambassador to Qatar, *Suhail Shaheen*, welcomed Russia’s recognition, describing it as an “opportunity for joint work” and called on other nations to follow Russia’s example.
