Russia has officially recognized the Islamic Emirate as the legitimate government of Afghanistan, making it the first country to formally do so since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021.

The announcement was confirmed on Thursday by Zamir Kabulov, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Special Representative for Afghanistan, in remarks to the state-run RIA Novosti news agency. Kabulov stated that the decision reflects Russia's intention to establish a “full-fledged partnership” with Afghanistan.

Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry also confirmed the recognition, following a meeting between Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul. In a statement, the ministry described the move as “historic” and emphasized its importance for deepening bilateral relations.

“With this step, bilateral relations between the two countries will further expand,” the Afghan Foreign Ministry said, expressing optimism that the recognition would open doors for greater diplomatic and economic cooperation.

Ambassador Zhirnov echoed this sentiment on Russian state television, saying the recognition was made at the direction of President Vladimir Putin and proposed by Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. “It demonstrates Russia's sincere desire to establish a full-fledged partnership with Afghanistan,” Zhirnov said.

The recognition marks a major shift in international engagement with the Islamic Emirate, which had not received official recognition from any United Nations member state until now.

Afghanistan continues to grapple with a severe economic crisis, worsened by the U.S. freezing of approximately $7 billion in Afghan foreign assets following the 2021 withdrawal of international troops.

While China has not formally recognized the Islamic Emirate, it accepted an ambassador from Kabul in 2023 and sent its own envoy to the Afghan capital, signaling a slow normalization of ties.

Russia’s move is expected to spark renewed debate within the international community over the future of diplomatic relations with Afghanistan. (ILKHA)