Russia Officially Recognizes the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan
Russia has formally recognized the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, marking a major diplomatic milestone. Moscow aims to deepen ties, enhance regional security cooperation, and support Afghanistan across various sectors, signaling a strategic shift in its approach to Kabul.
By Kamaran Aziz
ERBIL (Kurdistan 24) — Russia has formally recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, marking a significant diplomatic milestone between Moscow and Kabul, RIA Novosti reported. This step underscores Russia’s intent to deepen bilateral ties and enhance cooperation in regional security and other spheres.
The announcement came from Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special presidential envoy for Afghanistan, who confirmed to RIA Novosti simply, “Recognized.” This follows a key diplomatic development the previous day, when Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Andrey Rudenko officially received copies of credentials from the newly appointed Afghan ambassador to Russia, Mawlawi Gul Hasan, in Moscow.
The Russian Foreign Ministry emphasized that the country will continue to support Afghanistan in strengthening regional security and combating terrorism and drug-related crime. Additionally, Moscow highlighted its commitment to expanding cooperation with Afghanistan across education, sports, culture, and humanitarian initiatives.
The Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan occurred in late summer 2021, when they established the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. While Russia initially refrained from officially recognizing the Taliban government, it engaged in cautious diplomatic steps toward rapprochement. Notably, Moscow signaled its intention to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, paving the way for enhanced cooperation.
A major legal development took place in mid-April 2025, when Russia’s Supreme Court suspended the ban on Taliban activities within Russian territory, effective from May 20. This judicial decision facilitated the Foreign Ministry’s elevation of Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation to the ambassadorial level.
Consequently, Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government as the legitimate authority of Afghanistan.
In contrast, while China also upgraded Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation to ambassador level last year, Beijing has not issued an official statement regarding formal recognition of the Taliban regime.
This formal recognition by Russia marks a crucial shift in the international community’s approach to Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government, reflecting Moscow’s strategic interests in the region and its commitment to maintaining stability through cooperative engagement.
