Russia has become the first state to formally recognise Taliban rule in Afghanistan.
The move was described by the country’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi as a “courageous” decision, saying it opened “a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement”. He hoped this would serve as “an example” to other countries.
Moscow’s decision to recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan was conveyed by Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul on Thursday, according to the BBC.
Russia was one of only a few countries that did not close their embassy in Kabul when the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.
While China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan and Pakistan have all designated ambassadors to Kabul, Russia is now the only country to recognise the Taliban government since its return to power.
[Image: https://picryl.com/media/taliban-fighters-and-truck-in-kabul-august-17-2021-d5b61d]