Russia announced today, Thursday, that it has adopted the credentials of the new Ambassador of Taliban in Moscow, thus becoming the first country to officially recognize the Taliban administration since its return to power in Afghanistan about four years ago. The Afghan embassy in Moscow also raised the flag of the “Islamic Emirate” instead of the previous government’s knowledge, according to a picture published by the Russian “TASS” agency.
Pushed
The Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement: “We believe that the official recognition of the government of the Islamic emirate in Afghanistan will enhance the development of fruitful bilateral cooperation between our two countries in various fields,” the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
The statement came after a meeting between the Russian Deputy Foreign Minister André Rodinko, and the approved ambassador from the Taliban, Gal Hassan, who officially presented his credentials, in a move that represents a major diplomatic shift and a separation from the general international position rejecting recognition.
Russian interest in economics and security
Although the Taliban took control of the ruling in August 2021, Russia maintained its embassy in Kabul, and says it sees “great opportunities for cooperation in the fields of trade and economics”, especially in energy, transportation, agriculture and infrastructure projects. Moscow also confirmed its support for regional security cooperation and enhancing relations in the fields of education, sports, culture and humanitarian aid.
The Taliban welcomes and considers it the beginning of a new stage
In Kabul, the Taliban government welcomed the Russian step, as the Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muqti, described the decision as “a major turning point in the history of relations between the two countries.”
An ongoing international division about the recognition of Taliban
So far, no other country has officially recognized the Taliban government, which is still subject to severe international sanctions. Many countries link any official dealings with the Taliban with their respect for human rights, especially the rights of women and girls. The Russian decision represents a clear departure from this international position, in light of the increasing focus on geopolitical and security interests in the region instead of legal considerations.
