Russian Security Council Delegation Holds Talks With Taliban In Kabul

A Russian Security Council delegation recently visited Kabul to discuss strengthening bilateral relations and trade with Taliban officials, Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said Thursday.

Speaking at a press conference in Moscow following the 13th international meeting of high representatives for security issues, Shoigu said the delegation explored “transport corridors, joint development of various minerals, expansion of trade, and agriculture” with their Afghan counterparts, according to Interfax news agency.

The visit follows Russia’s hosting of a regional security forum from May 27 to 29 at its National Defence Management Centre, where a Taliban delegation participated for the first time.

During a meeting of security council secretaries from Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) member states in Moscow, Shoigu proposed resuming the SCO–Afghanistan Contact Group. He noted that the Taliban’s removal from Russia’s list of terrorist organisations, following a Russian Supreme Court decision to suspend the ban, has opened the door for potential cooperation.

No Afghan representatives have attended SCO meetings since the Taliban regained power in 2021. Last year, Putin expressed support for reactivating the SCO–Afghanistan Contact Group, stating it could help stabilise Afghanistan.