KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry has announced that Russia has formally accepted the ambassador appointed by the group to serve in Moscow.
According to the ministry, Russia’s ambassador in Kabul, Dmitry Zhirinov, delivered an official diplomatic note on Sunday (June 1) to Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, confirming the acceptance.
The ministry added that the Russian envoy expressed hope for stronger diplomatic ties and expanded cooperation across various sectors.
Muttaqi welcomed the move as the beginning of a “new chapter” in relations between the Taliban and Russia, voicing optimism about deepening engagement between the two sides.
Earlier this year, Russia removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations, a step seen as laying the groundwork for closer diplomatic relations.
The Taliban welcomed the decision and promptly announced plans to appoint an ambassador to Moscow.
Previously, only China had formally accepted a Taliban ambassador and reciprocated by appointing one to Kabul. Pakistan has also signaled its readiness to upgrade diplomatic relations to the ambassadorial level.
Despite these developments, no country has yet formally recognized the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.
