Russia hosts consultations on Afghanistan, including with a Taliban delegation

MOSCOW (AP) — Russia recently hosted consultations on Afghanistan that included a delegation from the Taliban government, alongside representatives from China, India, Iran, Pakistan and other nations. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov welcomed the Taliban's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi to Moscow and congratulated him on Afghanistan's fifth anniversary of liberation from NATO forces.

Lavrov praised the Taliban's achievements in combating extremism and drug trafficking, noting their resilience and successful efforts against the Islamic State group. Russia became the first country to recognize the Taliban government after removing it from its list of banned organizations in July 2025. Lavrov emphasized that Russia opposes NATO military infrastructure in Afghanistan and neighboring countries, citing historical instability risks.

During the talks, Russian officials also pledged continued humanitarian aid to Afghanistan. China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan participated in the discussions. Russian President Vladimir Putin's envoy for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, expressed Russia's readiness to mediate tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which have persisted despite international mediation.

Despite Russia being the first to recognize the Taliban administration, the group remains relatively isolated internationally due to its restrictions on women.