Russia is establishing a “full-fledged partnership” with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban, urging other countries in the region to expand cooperation with Kabul, a senior Russian security official revealed on Thursday.
Last year, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021, as US-led forces conducted a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after two decades of war.
Sergei Shoigu, Russia’s Security Council Secretary, emphasized that cooperation with Kabul is essential for the security and development of the region. He described Russia’s relationship with the Taliban as a “pragmatic dialogue,” covering areas such as security, trade, culture, and humanitarian support.
Shoigu made these remarks during a meeting with counterparts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a 10-member group that includes China, India, Iran, Pakistan, and several former Soviet states.
“The SCO should revive its contact group with Afghanistan,” Shoigu added.
Notably, the Taliban were designated as a terrorist organization by Russia in 2003, but this ban was lifted in April 2025.
Russia sees the necessity of engaging with Kabul due to the increasing security threats posed by militant groups operating from countries stretching from Afghanistan to the Middle East.
