March 10, 2026 8:20:50 PM
On July 3, 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, accepting the credentials of a Taliban-appointed ambassador in Moscow. This move, following Russia's removal of the Taliban from its list of designated terrorist organizations, aims to foster bilateral cooperation, boost regional influence, and stabilize the region.
Key details regarding this development as of early July 2025:
- Official Recognition: Russia accepted the credentials of the new Afghan ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan, in a move to strengthen relations with the Taliban authorities that took power in 2021.
- Context: While countries like China had previously accredited Taliban diplomats without full formal recognition, Russia's move marks the first official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
- Motivations: Moscow aims to secure its influence in Central Asia, combat terrorism, and facilitate economic, and commercial cooperation.
- Diplomatic Strategy: The decision was made by President Vladimir Putin, signaling a significant shift in regional diplomatic dynamics.
Despite this move by Russia, the Taliban government remains largely unrecognized by the broader international community, with many nations maintaining a cautious approach due to human rights concerns.
Courtesy by: Al Jazeera , BBC
