Russia has officially accepted the Taliban’s nominee for ambassador to Moscow, the Afghan foreign ministry announced in a statement on Sunday, signaling growing economic and political ties between the two nations, both subject to international sanctions.
In April, Russia lifted its ban on the Taliban, which it had designated as a terrorist organization for over two decades, a move that cleared the path for Moscow to normalize relations with the leadership in Afghanistan.
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No country has formally recognized the Taliban’s government, which assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S.-led forces.
“We hope this new phase will allow both countries to expand cooperation in various fields,” said Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, in a statement.
China became the first country in 2023 to accept a diplomat at the ambassador level from the Taliban, and several countries have since followed suit, including Pakistan, which announced this week that it would upgrade the position. Diplomats note that the formal presentation of ambassadorial credentials to a foreign head of state signifies a step towards recognition.
