In a significant development for Afghanistan-Russia relations, Zamir Kabulov, Special Envoy of the Russian President, held high-level talks with Taliban officials in Kabul, signaling a further warming of ties between the two nations.
During his meeting with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the two sides discussed strengthening bilateral relations, expanding economic and trade cooperation, and addressing key regional issues.
Muttaqi expressed appreciation for Russia’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations, a move approved by the Russian Supreme Court last week. He also thanked Moscow for accepting an ambassadorial-level diplomat from the Taliban-led government, pledging that Afghanistan would soon appoint a representative to Russia at the same diplomatic rank.
This step marks a notable shift in Russia’s engagement with the Taliban, as most Western nations have either closed or significantly reduced their diplomatic presence in Kabul since the group’s return to power in 2021.
In a separate meeting, Kabulov also held talks with Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, a prominent figure within the Taliban leadership. Their discussions focused on security cooperation, economic partnerships, and ways to enhance bilateral relations. These high-level engagements underscore Moscow’s growing willingness to work with the Taliban-led government despite its lack of formal international recognition.
Russia’s decision to delist the Taliban and upgrade diplomatic ties comes as part of its broader strategy to expand influence in Afghanistan following the withdrawal of Western forces. Unlike many Western nations, Russia has maintained its embassy in Kabul and has gradually increased its engagement with the Taliban, particularly in areas of mutual interest such as economic cooperation and regional stability.
With the legal barriers now removed, Moscow appears ready to move forward with economic and infrastructure projects in Afghanistan, further solidifying its foothold in the region.
Kabulov described the recent developments as a "new stage" in relations between the two countries, highlighting the growing diplomatic and economic collaboration. The move also aligns with Russia’s long-term objectives of preventing the spread of extremism in Central Asia and securing its strategic interests in a region where Western influence has waned.
These latest diplomatic exchanges suggest that Russia is positioning itself as a key player in Afghanistan’s future, with economic cooperation at the forefront of its agenda.
Beginning June 30, 2025, Russia will implement a new digital pre-registration system for foreign nationals entering the country under a visa-free regime, according to updated government regulations.
President Zelenskyy said Ukraine is ready for a 30-day ceasefire and direct talks with Russia to save lives and provide a basis for diplomacy, following negotiations in Türkiye. Kyiv stresses the need for global pressure on Moscow to end the war.
Polish customs have detained 5 metric tons of Boeing aircraft tires intended for transport through Belarus to Russia, citing ongoing investigations related to EU sanctions.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk said Friday that Russian hackers launched cyberattacks against websites belonging to parties in his ruling coalition, just two days ahead of the country’s closely watched presidential election.
Australia has confirmed that a fleet of retired U.S.-made Abrams tanks promised to Ukraine is finally on the way, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese told Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy during a meeting in Rome on Sunday, according to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
In Malaysia, rivers are under threat from invasive fish species that have spread widely, harming native wildlife and local ecosystems.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
Armenia has proposed elevating its cooperation with Cyprus to the level of a strategic partnership, a move positively received by Cypriot officials.
Iran hosted the Tehran Dialogue Forum on May 18–19 with 200 delegates from 53 countries, showcasing its soft power through diplomacy while also highlighting military strength—an approach echoing the "smart power" concept of balancing dialogue and deterrence.
Negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia could soon advance to a new level, with discussions possibly involving the heads of state, according to Armenian Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan.
Azerbaijani presidential climate envoy Mukhtar Babayev is set to participate in the Astana International Forum 2025, focusing on global challenges and future cooperation.
Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov met with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in London to discuss strengthening bilateral relations, covering trade, investment, culture, and global challenges. Both sides signed a Cooperation Program for 2025-2026 to deepen their partnership.
The U.S. Supreme Court has granted a request from the Trump administration to lift protections under the Temporary Protected Status (TPS) program for approximately 350,000 Venezuelans, potentially opening the door to future deportations while litigation continues.
Lithuania has taken legal action against Belarus at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing Minsk of organizing irregular migrant crossings and violating international obligations.
Indonesia has raised the alert level to the highest for Mount Lewotobi Laki Laki after it erupted eight times over the weekend, the country’s volcanology agency said.
As South Western Railway becomes the latest operator to be renationalised under Great British Railways (GBR), questions remain about whether these changes will lead to better services or lower fares.
In Malaysia, rivers are under threat from invasive fish species that have spread widely, harming native wildlife and local ecosystems.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment