KABUL – Russia has upgraded the Taliban’s diplomatic mission to ambassadorial level and is preparing to receive an ambassador from Kabul, marking a significant shift in Moscow’s engagement with Afghanistan’s de facto rulers. The announcement came after meetings on April 23 between Russian officials and senior Taliban leaders in Kabul.
The move follows a Russian Supreme Court decision suspending the ban on Taliban activities in the country. Afghanistan’s acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi thanked Russia for delisting the Taliban as a terrorist organization.
Russia and the Taliban also agreed to boost economic and trade ties and will hold further talks during the Russia-Islamic World Kazan Forum in May.