Overview
- On July 3, 2025, Russia accepted credentials from Taliban-appointed ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan, becoming the first nation to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.
- The Supreme Court’s April ruling lifted the Taliban’s terrorist designation, clearing the way for diplomatic normalization.
- Moscow said recognition would spur collaboration on projects spanning energy, transport, agriculture, infrastructure, regional security, counter-terrorism, combating drug crime.
- Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised the decision as a major milestone, urging other nations to follow suit.
- China, the United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Pakistan have exchanged envoys without granting formal recognition pending improvements to women’s rights in Afghanistan.