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.
Pakistan has announced it will appoint an ambassador to Afghanistan for the first time since the Taliban took control of Kabul in 2021, becoming the fourth country—after China, the United Arab Emirates, and Uzbekistan—to do so.
Ukraine is holding off on confirming its participation in peace talks with Russia until it receives a formal proposal document outlining Moscow’s positions, Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said Friday.
Serbia and Russia will jointly examine allegations that Serbian-made weapons reached Ukraine, following claims by Russian officials and statements from President Aleksandar Vucic calling for a fact-finding effort.
Russia will send the same delegation to the second round of negotiations with Ukraine, scheduled for June 2 in Istanbul, according to a diplomatic statement on Thursday.
As Russia signals readiness for fresh peace talks, Ukraine urges immediate delivery of Moscow's memorandum, stressing the need for a productive and result-oriented meeting.
In a landmark moment for artists’ rights, Taylor Swift has officially bought back the master recordings of her first six albums, ending a long-running dispute over who controls her music.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Friday that COVID-19 vaccines are still recommended for healthy children aged 6 months and older—if their doctors agree.
A 61-year-old man in Alaska rescued after being trapped facedown under a massive 700-pound boulder in a freezing glacier-fed creek for three hours.
Two foreign nationals were indicted Friday in California and Wisconsin for allegedly trying to smuggle sensitive U.S. military technology to China and target an American dissident critical of Beijing.
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered an accident investigation into SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight, which ended with the spacecraft spinning out of control and breaking apart over the Indian Ocean.
AnewZ takes to the streets of Yerevan and Baku to ask a simple yet deeply complex question: How do you see peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? In the first part of our special report, we hear the hopes, doubts, and scars still shaping people’s perspectives on both sides.
On May 28, the inauguration ceremony of Lachin International Airport was held.
A car drove into crowds of Liverpool fans celebrating the club’s Premier League title in the city centre on Monday evening, injuring dozens including 4 children. A 53-year-old man believed to be the driver was arrested at the scene.
EU ministers have greenlit a massive €150 billion defense investment fund—dubbed the Security Action for Europe (SAFE)—as the bloc ramps up its military readiness in response to Russia’s aggression and growing uncertainty over U.S. security guarantees.
Kyiv faced a large-scale Russian drone and missile assault overnight, with explosions and gunfire echoing throughout the city, forcing residents to shelter in subway stations.
Kazakhstan plans to double container traffic on the Trans-Caspian route in three years, aiming to boost regional and transcontinental connectivity.
Tajikistan has proposed a joint investment fund with Italy to boost regional development across Central Asia.
The 2nd Istanbul World Islamic Economy Summit was held at the Istanbul Financial Center, bringing together leaders and experts from across the Islamic world.
Political dialogue between Azerbaijan and Croatia creates a strong foundation for expanding cooperation in various fields.
Less than 24 hours after formally accepting a U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza, Hamas now says it is still “reviewing” the plan, raising uncertainty over the implementation of a truce aimed at halting months of devastating conflict.
In a landmark moment for artists’ rights, Taylor Swift has officially bought back the master recordings of her first six albums, ending a long-running dispute over who controls her music.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed Friday that COVID-19 vaccines are still recommended for healthy children aged 6 months and older—if their doctors agree.
A 61-year-old man in Alaska rescued after being trapped facedown under a massive 700-pound boulder in a freezing glacier-fed creek for three hours.
Two foreign nationals were indicted Friday in California and Wisconsin for allegedly trying to smuggle sensitive U.S. military technology to China and target an American dissident critical of Beijing.
The Federal Aviation Administration has ordered an accident investigation into SpaceX’s latest Starship test flight, which ended with the spacecraft spinning out of control and breaking apart over the Indian Ocean.
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