Overview

• Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov formally conveyed Russia’s decision to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to Acting Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
• Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko accepted credentials of Taliban-appointed ambassador Gul Hassan in Moscow and the Taliban flag was raised at the Afghan embassy.
• In April, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organisations, clearing the way for today’s formal engagement.
• The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that official recognition will spur cooperation on trade, energy transit, transportation and counterterrorism.
• No other country has yet officially recognized the Taliban government, with most waiting for the group to meet international human rights obligations.