Russia extends formal recognition to the Taliban

Moscow, July 4 -- Russia has extended formal recognition to the Taliban regime in Afghanistan. Local Russian media on Thursday quoted the Foreign Ministry saying "We believe that the act of official recognition of the government of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan will give impetus to the development of productive bilateral cooperation between our countries in various fields,"

The Taliban, an Islamist militant group, seized control of Afghanistan in August 2021 following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, after toppling the Western-backed government.

"The Foreign Ministry confirms this," a ministry representative said when asked to comment on reports about Russia's decision to recognize the country.

Russian President Vladimir Puti...