Russia grants Taliban right to appoint ambassador amid warming ties
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In a notable shift in its diplomatic posture, Russia announced on Wednesday that it will allow the Taliban authorities in Afghanistan to appoint an ambassador to Moscow.
The move comes shortly after Russia officially suspended the Taliban’s classification as a terrorist organisation.
While this step does not equate to formal recognition of the Taliban regime, it marks a significant gesture in the gradual normalisation of relations between Moscow and Kabul. The Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. forces, but no government worldwide, including Russia, has officially recognised them.
According to a statement from the Russian Foreign Ministry, Russian officials recently held discussions with Afghanistan’s foreign and interior ministers. During these talks, Afghan leaders were informed that Russia had decided to elevate the Afghan diplomatic mission in Moscow to ambassadorial level.
"The Afghan leadership expressed deep gratitude for this decision," the ministry said.
Russia views the Taliban administration as a potential economic partner and has welcomed Taliban delegations at major events in recent years. Moscow’s decision to drop the “terrorist” designation reflects its increasingly pragmatic approach, particularly in matters of trade and regional stability.
Speaking to the media, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov emphasised the need for a practical foreign policy. "The new authorities in Kabul are a reality," he said. "We must adopt a pragmatic approach rather than an ideologically driven one."
Despite these developments, the Taliban government remains unrecognised by the international community, and the United Nations continues to refer to it as the “Taliban de facto authorities.”