In a landmark diplomatic move, Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, becoming the first country to do so since the group took power in 2021.
The announcement came on Thursday, as the Russian Foreign Ministry confirmed it had accepted Gul Hassan as the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s new ambassador to Moscow. The ministry described the decision as a step toward deepening cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan.
“We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,” the ministry said in a statement.
The ministry highlighted promising opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, particularly in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure projects. “We will continue to assist Kabul in strengthening regional security and combating the threats of terrorism and drug-related crime,” the ministry added.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the move during a meeting with Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul.
The Ambassador of the Russian Federation, Mr. Dmitry Zhirnov, called on IEA-Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.
During the meeting, the Ambassador of Russian Federation officially conveyed his government’s decision to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, pic.twitter.com/wCbJKpZYwm
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Afghanistan (@MoFA_Afg) July 3, 2025
“This brave decision will be an example for others … now that the process of recognition has started, Russia was ahead of everyone,” Muttaqi said in a video of the meeting posted on X.
⚡️Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi welcomed the Russian Federation’s decision, saying: “We will play a role in connecting the Russian Federation and South Asia.”
◀️More in the video with #English_subtitles .#Taliban_times #Afghanistan #Russian #Taliban pic.twitter.com/XP2akW7VhJ
— The Taliban Times (@Taliban_times) July 3, 2025
The recognition comes as the Taliban continues to seek international recognition amid widespread criticism over restrictions on women. Western governments, including the U.S., have withheld formal recognition, citing human rights abuses.
Though countries such as China, Pakistan, and the UAE have accepted Taliban envoys, none had formally recognized the Islamic Emirate.
Russia’s decision to recognize the Taliban government comes after it removed the group’s terrorist designation in April. Since then, it has deepened ties by opening a business office in Kabul and increased trade in energy, wheat, and oil.
