President Vladimir Putin has officially recognised the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan following a proposal from Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Russian Ambassador to Kabul Dmitry Zhirnov announced on Rossiya-1 TV.
Zhirnov described the decision as a signal of Russia’s «genuine intention to build a full-fledged partnership» with Afghanistan. With this move, Russia becomes the first country in the world to formally recognise the Taliban government.
The Afghan embassy in Moscow now flies the flag adopted by the Taliban movement.
Which countries maintain diplomatic contacts with the Taliban?
- China has accredited a Taliban ambassador and maintains economic cooperation, although formal recognition has not yet been granted.
- Uzbekistan receives Taliban delegations, signs agreements and works on infrastructure projects, but does not formally recognise the government.
- Iran, Pakistan, Turkmenistan, and Kazakhstan all maintain embassies and working-level contacts with the Taliban — a form of practical cooperation without formal recognition.
- The UAE and Qatar maintain diplomatic missions and ambassadors in Afghanistan but have not formally recognised the government.
Kursiv Uzbekistan also reports that Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev discussed the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway with Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar.
