Russia Confirms Taliban Has Nominated Ambassador To Moscow
The Taliban has formally nominated a candidate to serve as ambassador to Russia, according to Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President’s Special Envoy for Afghanistan.
Speaking to RIA Novosti on Friday, 16 May, Kabulov confirmed that the nominee’s name has been submitted and is currently undergoing review by the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other relevant government agencies. While he did not disclose the identity of the nominee, Kabulov expressed hope that the approval process would soon conclude with a formal agreement.
Earlier this month, during a meeting with Kabulov, Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi announced that the group would soon appoint an ambassador to Russia.
At present, the Afghan embassy in Moscow is headed by Jamal Nasir Gharwal, who was appointed by the Taliban and serves as chargé d’affaires.
The nomination follows Russia’s recent decision to suspend its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organisation. In the wake of that move, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated its intention to elevate the Taliban’s diplomatic representation in Moscow from chargé d’affaires to ambassador level.
According to RIA Novosti, Kabulov noted that the arrival of a Taliban ambassador in Moscow could pave the way for potential recognition of the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan.
