On Monday, Russia’s foreign ministry held a high‑level consultation on Afghanistan in Moscow. The meeting brought together the Taliban’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and delegations from China, India, Iran, Pakistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and other nations.
Russian officials praise Afghan progress
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov greeted the Taliban delegation and marked the fifth anniversary of what he called “Afghanistan’s liberation from the NATO contingent.” Lavrov said the Afghan people’s “fighting spirit and resilience” had broken the “powerful military machine of the United States and their NATO allies.” He highlighted the Taliban’s successes against the Islamic State group, other extremist elements, and efforts to curb drug trafficking.
Historical context and diplomatic milestones
Since the United States and NATO withdrew in August 2021, the Taliban has sought broader international recognition while enforcing a strict interpretation of Islamic law. In July 2025, Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban government after removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations.
The former Soviet Union fought a decade‑long war in Afghanistan that ended with a Soviet withdrawal in 1989. Over the past ten years, Moscow has aimed to expand its influence in Central Asia by regularly hosting consultations that include senior Taliban representatives and neighboring states.
Russia’s stance on NATO and regional security
Lavrov warned that any deployment of NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan or neighboring countries would be “categorically unacceptable,” citing historical experience that such a presence leads to destabilization and escalating conflict. He also noted that the Taliban’s achievements in combating narcotics and terrorism are linked to ongoing military‑technical cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan.
Russia reaffirmed its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and expressed readiness to help defuse tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Kremlin envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov said Moscow stands ready to assist in ending cross‑border fighting, either independently or with other partners, if both sides request it.
International participation and lingering challenges
Officials from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also participated in the talks, underscoring a broad regional interest in Afghan stability. While the Taliban has established diplomatic ties with several countries, it remains relatively isolated on the world stage, largely due to its restrictions on women.
The consultation reflects Russia’s broader strategy to position itself as a counterweight to NATO influence in the region and to promote a diplomatic framework that includes the de‑facto Afghan government.
Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.
