Russia becomes first country to recognise Afghanistan’s Taliban government

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No other country has formally recognised the Taliban government, which seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from after 20 years of war.

PHOTO: REUTERS

Summary

• Russia accepted the credentials of Afghanistans new ambassador, becoming the first nation to recognise the Taliban government.
• Russia sees good prospects for developing ties, including trade, security, counter-terrorism, and combating drug crime with Afghanistan.
• Other nations like China and UAE have designated ambassadors, but the Talibans human rights record remains a barrier to wider recognition.

AI generated

MOSCOW – Russia said on July 3 that it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country.

In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security, counter-terrorism and combating drug crime.

It also saw significant trade and economic opportunities, especially in energy, transport, agriculture and infrastructure.

“We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,” the ministry said.

In a statement, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said: “We value this courageous step taken by Russia, and, God willing, it will serve as an example for others as well.”

No other country has formally recognised the Taliban government that seized power in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal