John AdoyiIn a major diplomatic milestone, the Taliban government has secured its first international recognition after Russia formally acknowledged it as the official government of Afghanistan.
The announcement was made on Thursday, following a meeting in Kabul between Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, and the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov.
Join our WhatsApp Channel“This brave decision will be an example for others,” Muttaqi said in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter). “Now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone.”
Zia Ahmad Takal, spokesperson for the Taliban’s foreign ministry, confirmed the development to AFP, stating: “Russia is the first country which has officially recognized the Islamic Emirate,” referring to the Taliban’s preferred name for their administration, according to France24.
Since seizing power in August 2021 through the ousting of the internationally recognised government, the Taliban has been pressing for global recognition, a request largely denied due to ongoing human rights concerns, especially around women’s rights and education under Taliban rule.
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The Russian Foreign Ministry, in its own statement, said the move opens the door for “productive bilateral cooperation”.
Thursday’s announcement follows Russia’s decision in April to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations, ending a designation that had been in place since 2003. That legal shift set the stage for formal recognition, which Moscow says had been under consideration for nearly a year.
“This marks a new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement,” said Muttaqi, according to a statement issued by the Afghan foreign ministry.
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The move by Russia could mark a turning point in the Taliban’s campaign for legitimacy and may pressure other regional powers to reassess their own diplomatic positions. However, key global actors, including the United Nations and Western governments, have yet to offer official recognition.
The Taliban’s leadership has expressed hope that Russia’s decision will serve as a precedent for others, potentially easing their diplomatic and economic isolation on the global stage.
