Russia Officially Recognizes Taliban Government in Afghanistan

SadaNews - Russia has officially recognized the government of the Taliban movement in Afghanistan, continuing its diplomatic rapprochement with Kabul, according to Russian news agencies reported yesterday evening.

The Russian president's special representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, simply stated to the state news agency RIA Novosti that "recognition has occurred," a fact also confirmed by the Russian Foreign Ministry to the TASS agency.

For his part, the Afghan Foreign Minister stated that Russia's decision to be the first country to recognize their government is a "brave decision."

Amir Khan Muttaqi added in a video of his meeting with the Russian ambassador in Kabul, Dmitry Zernov, shared on the platform "X": "This brave decision will be an example for others... Now that the recognition process has begun, Russia was the pioneer."

It is noteworthy that after the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces from Afghanistan in August 2021, the Taliban took control of the capital, Kabul, and announced the formation of a new government under the name "Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan."

This government has not yet received official international recognition, as most countries require respect for human rights, especially women's rights, and the formation of an inclusive government.

The Taliban is currently led by Hibatullah Akhundzada, with a cabinet that includes leaders from the movement.