Afghanistan Times
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KABUL – The Taliban on Wednesday expressed approval of Russia’s parliamentary decision to consider removing the group from Moscow’s list of designated terrorist organizations. They described the move as a significant step toward enhancing diplomatic ties and fostering regional security.
In a statement issued by the Taliban’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the group called the decision a “positive step” for bilateral relations. “This decision is a positive step for bilateral cooperation and the development of diplomatic relations aimed at achieving peace and stability,” the statement read.
On Tuesday, Russia’s State Duma, the lower house of parliament, approved a bill in the first of three necessary readings to potentially delist the Taliban from the roster of banned terrorist entities.
Though the Taliban remain unrecognized as a legitimate government by any country following their takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, Russia has gradually increased its engagement with the group. In July, Russian President Vladimir V. Putin described the Taliban as an ally in the fight against terrorism.
Russia’s security concerns in the region have heightened in recent years, particularly with extremist groups active from Afghanistan to the Middle East. These concerns intensified after the ousting of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, a crucial Russian ally, and the Islamic State’s increased presence in the region.
The Taliban have asserted their commitment to eliminating ISIS-K, the regional affiliate of the Islamic State, which they consider a direct threat to Afghanistan’s stability.
Despite growing international interactions, including with Russia, the Taliban face steep barriers to global legitimacy. Western nations have conditioned recognition on the reversal of the Taliban’s restrictive policies on women’s rights. Since reclaiming power, the Taliban have barred girls and women from schools and universities and imposed strict movement restrictions on women, sparking widespread international condemnation.
Russia’s parliamentary process to remove the Taliban from its terrorist list marks another chapter in the evolving geopolitical dynamics of the region, reflecting Moscow’s prioritization of regional stability and counterterrorism.
