MOSCOW — Russia on Thursday grew to become the primary nation to formally acknowledge the Taliban’s authorities in Afghanistan because it seized energy in 2021, after Moscow eliminated the group from its listing of outlawed organizations.
The Russian International Ministry introduced that it had obtained credentials from Afghanistan’s newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan. The official recognition of the Afghan authorities will foster “productive bilateral cooperation,” the ministry mentioned in an announcement.
Afghanistan’s International Ministry known as it a historic step, and quoted Taliban International Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi as welcoming the choice as “an excellent instance for different international locations.”
The Taliban took management of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces. Since then, they’ve sought worldwide recognition whereas additionally implementing their strict interpretation of Islamic regulation.
Whereas no nation had formally acknowledged the Taliban administration till now, the group had engaged in high-level talks with many countries and established some diplomatic ties with international locations together with China and the United Arab Emirates.
Nonetheless, the Taliban authorities has been comparatively remoted on the world stage, largely over its restrictions on girls.
Though the Taliban initially promised a extra reasonable rule than throughout their first stint in energy from 1996 to 2001, it began to implement restrictions on girls and women quickly after the 2021 takeover. Girls are barred from most jobs and public locations, together with parks, baths and gymnasiums, whereas women are banned from schooling past sixth grade.
Russian officers have just lately been emphasizing the necessity to interact with the Taliban to assist stabilize Afghanistan, and lifted a ban on the Taliban in April.
Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, mentioned in remarks broadcast by state Channel One tv that the choice to formally acknowledge the Taliban authorities was made by President Vladimir Putin on recommendation from International Minister Sergey Lavrov.
Zhirnov mentioned the choice proves Russia’s “honest striving for the event of full-fledged relations with Afghanistan.”
