Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – Russia has announced it will support the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan in its fight against the Islamic State affiliate ISIS-K, marking a major shift in its foreign policy. Russian envoy Zamir Kabulov called ISIS-K a “common enemy” and praised the Taliban’s counterterrorism efforts, pledging “our best assistance through specialised structures.”
The move follows Russia’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, opening the door for deeper diplomatic, economic, and security cooperation. Despite the Taliban’s lack of international recognition, Moscow is moving to accredit an Afghan ambassador and expand trade, investment, and infrastructure ties.
The growing partnership comes as Russia faces its own ISIS-linked threats, including the deadly March 2024 Moscow concert hall attack, which killed 145 people and was blamed on ISIS-K. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously described the Taliban as an “ally” in counterterrorism efforts.
A Russia-Afghanistan business forum is planned in Kazan later this month, with energy, mineral development, and pipeline projects high on the agenda.
