Afghanistan becomes gas transit hub: Russia is the first country in the world to recognize the Taliban

The Taliban call it a "courageous decision": Russia is the first country in the world to officially recognize Afghanistan's Islamist government. Beyond diplomacy, Moscow is also interested in a partner for gas transit to Southeast Asia.

According to the Taliban, Russia is the first country to officially recognize their government in Afghanistan. "This courageous decision will set an example for others," Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki said in a video on X after a meeting with Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in Kabul. "Now that the recognition process has begun, Russia has been ahead of everyone," Muttaki added.

"Russia is the first country to officially recognize the Islamic Emirate," said Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesman Sia Ahmad Takal, using the Taliban's name for the state they proclaimed. Muttaki spoke of a "new phase of positive relations, mutual respect, and constructive engagement," the Afghan Foreign Ministry told X.

For its part, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated at X: "We believe that the act of official recognition of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will promote the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various areas." It highlighted possible economic cooperation in energy, transport, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Kremlin wants to help Kabul in the fight against terror

In addition, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that Moscow intends to continue supporting Kabul in "strengthening regional security and combating the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking." Russia's special representative for Afghanistan, Samir Kabulov, told the state news agency RIA Novosti that the government had "recognized" the Taliban.

Moscow and the leadership in Kabul had recently grown closer. Moscow had taken a first step toward normalizing relations by removing the Taliban from its list of "terrorist organizations." In July 2024, Russian President Vladimir Putin described the Taliban as "allies in the fight against terrorism."

Russia was the first country to open a mission in Kabul after the Taliban took power. Moscow has also announced its intention to use Afghanistan as a transit hub for gas supplies to Southeast Asia.