Russia Becomes The First Country To Recognize Taliban Government In Afghanistan

JAKARTA - Russia's Foreign Ministry confirmed Moscow officially recognizes the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, making it the first country in the world to recognize the Taliban government after receiving a credentials from Afghanistan's new ambassador.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this," a ministry representative said when asked to comment on reports of Russia's decision to recognize the country, as reported by TASS July 4.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has decided to recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan on the recommendation of Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in an effort to demonstrate Moscow's intention to develop relations, said the country's Russian Ambassador, Dmitry Zhirnov.

"This is a decision taken in principle by the president of the Russian Federation on the advice of the Russian foreign minister. It shows Russia's sincere desire to build a comprehensive partnership with Afghanistan," the diplomat said on television.

Earlier on Thursday, Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko received a credentials from the Afghan Ambassador to Russia Gul Hassan who arrived in Moscow on July 1.

In a statement, Russia's Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects for developing relations and would continue to support Kabul in terms of security, counter-terrorism, and fighting drug crimes.

Russia also sees significant trade and economic opportunities, especially in the fields of energy, transportation, agriculture, and infrastructure.

"We believe official recognition of the Government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will provide an impetus for the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.

The Taliban were banned by Russia as a terrorist movement in 2003, but the ban was lifted this year.

The Russian Supreme Court granted a ban on Taliban activities in the country on April 17, 2025.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said the revocation of the status of the Taliban as a terrorist group paved the way for building a comprehensive partnership with Kabul in the interests of the Russian people and Afghanistan.

"We appreciate the bold move taken by Russia, and, God willing, this will be an example for other countries as well," Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said in a statement.

No other country officially recognizes the ruling Taliban government in August 2021, following the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces after 20 years.

However, China, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, and Pakistan have all appointed ambassadors to Kabul, as a move towards recognition.

Russia's move is an important milestone for the Taliban government as it seeks to defuse its international isolation.

Russia is gradually building relations with the Taliban, which President Vladimir Putin said last year has now become an ally in fighting terrorism. Since 2022, Afghanistan has imported gas, oil, and wheat from Russia.