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Russian FM defends relations with Taliban amid regional upheaval.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov defended Moscow’s ties with the Taliban on Sunday, arguing that the Taliban are not designated as a terrorist organization by the United Nations, despite its controversial history and ties to al-Qaeda.
Speaking at the Doha Forum, where discussions centered on Middle East developments, Lavrov responded to criticism of Russia’s engagement with the Taliban. He pointed out that while some Taliban leaders are sanctioned, the organization itself is not on the U.N.’s list of terrorist groups.
“We never withdrew our embassy from Kabul. It remained operational throughout the American occupation, during the coalition presence, and during their disgraceful withdrawal,” Lavrov said, referencing the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021, which he described as chaotic and expected.
Lavrov’s remarks came just hours before the collapse of the Russian-backed Syrian government led by Bashar al-Assad, a development that has drawn comparisons to the fall of Afghanistan’s U.S.-backed government to the Taliban.
The sudden collapse of Assad’s regime, despite its support from Russia and Iran, has prompted questions about Moscow’s ability to maintain influence in the region. When asked about similarities between Afghanistan in 2021 and Syria today, Lavrov dismissed the comparison, focusing instead on the U.S.’s withdrawal strategy in Afghanistan.
The fall of Assad’s government underscores ongoing geopolitical shifts in the Middle East, raising questions about the future roles of key players, including Russia, in the region’s evolving power dynamics.
On November 25, a high-ranking Russian delegation led by Sergei Shoigu, Secretary of Russia’s Security Council, visited Kabul for discussions with Taliban officials. Talks reportedly focused on trade, transit, and investment opportunities, signaling Moscow’s intent to deepen relations with Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has also emphasized strengthening bilateral ties with the Taliban, framing such cooperation as crucial to regional stability and economic engagement.
Despite its controversial stance, Moscow has maintained diplomatic ties with the Taliban, even as the Taliban remain unrecognized by most of the international community.
(amu)