Russia becomes first country to recognise Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan
Russia vows ‘full-fledged relations’ with Afghanistan after recognising Taliban rule
- Russia has become the first nation to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in August 2021.
- The recognition followed Moscow's decision to remove the Taliban from its list of outlawed entities and the acceptance of credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan.
- Both the Russian and Afghan foreign ministries hailed the development, with Taliban foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi calling it a "historic step" and a "good example for other countries."
- The decision, made by president Vladimir Putin on advice from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, signifies Russia's "sincere striving for the development of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan."
- Despite seeking international recognition, the Taliban government has largely been isolated globally due to its strict restrictions on women and girls since its 2021 takeover.