KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has met and held talks with Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s Special Representative for Afghanistan.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement released this afternoon (Tuesday, April 28) that the two sides discussed the development of political relations and economic cooperation during the meeting.
The ministry added that Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized the need to further expand bilateral relations between the Taliban and Russia, including the expansion of economic cooperation, the activation of the joint economic commission, and the establishment of a joint framework for political consultations.
According to the statement, Zamir Kabulov expressed his country’s readiness to implement economic cooperation with the Taliban, particularly in the areas of trade, energy, and transit.
The statement also noted that the Russian special representative said he aims to strengthen relations with Afghanistan through joint economic projects, investment, and infrastructure cooperation, and to enhance economic connectivity alongside regional stability.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that both sides also discussed the regional situation and strengthening relations with neighboring countries, emphasizing the importance of constructive engagement and joint efforts for regional stability.
Over the past four years, the Taliban and Russia have maintained extensive political and economic relations. At present, Russia is the only country in the world that has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan.
Additionally, recent developments further underscore the growing ties between the two sides. Russian President Vladimir Putin recently accepted the credentials of Gul Hassan Hasan, the Taliban-appointed ambassador to Moscow, officially granting him diplomatic status.
This step came months after Russia recognized the Taliban administration and reflects a deepening of formal relations. During the ceremony, Putin noted that Afghanistan has gained “new momentum” following this recognition and expressed Russia’s interest in a stable, united, and peaceful Afghanistan free from war, terrorism, and drug trafficking.
This move signals Moscow’s continued commitment to expanding political and economic engagement with the Taliban-led government.
This meeting comes amid ongoing regional efforts to expand economic connectivity and political engagement with Afghanistan, as both sides seek to leverage cooperation in trade, energy, and infrastructure to promote stability and mutual interests in the broader region.
