MOSCOW: Russia is establishing a “full-fledged partnership” with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban and is encouraging other countries in the region to expand cooperation with Kabul, according to a senior Russian security official.
Russia last year became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021 after US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan following 20 years of war.
The Interfax news agency quoted Russian official Sergei Shoigu as saying that cooperation with Kabul is important for the security and development of the region.
Shoigu, who serves as secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Moscow is building a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban that includes cooperation in security, trade, cultural exchange, and humanitarian support.
He made these remarks during a meeting with counterparts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a 10-member bloc that includes China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and several Central Asian states.
He also said the SCO should revive its contact group on Afghanistan.
The Taliban was designated as a terrorist organisation by Russia in 2003, but the ban was lifted in April 2025.
Russia said it sees the need to work with Kabul as it faces growing security threats from militant groups operating across regions stretching from Afghanistan to the Middle East.