Russia has formally accepted the Taliban’s appointed ambassador to Moscow, the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Sunday, marking another step in deepening ties between the two sides.
The move signals Moscow’s growing engagement with the Taliban despite ongoing international sanctions. It remains unclear, however, whether this development signals the start of formal recognition of the Taliban regime by a major regional power.
In April, Russia suspended its designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organisation.
On Sunday, Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul and delivered an official letter confirming Moscow’s acceptance of the Taliban’s ambassador.
Muttaqi expressed hope that this “new phase will provide an opportunity for both countries to expand cooperation in various areas,” according to the Taliban’s statement.
China was the first country to formally receive a Taliban-appointed ambassador, with several other nations following. Last week, Pakistan announced it would elevate its diplomatic relations with the Taliban to ambassadorial level.
Like other countries and in contrast to its stance during the first Taliban regime in the mid-1990s Pakistan has not granted official recognition to the Taliban government.
