KABUL (SW) – Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesperson for the Islamic Emirate, has stated that Sergey Shoigu, Secretary of the Russian Security Council, assured during his visit to Afghanistan that the removal of the “Taliban” name from Russia’s list of banned groups will be finalized in the near future.
Mujahid added this removal from the list of banned groups could usher in a new phase in diplomatic relations between the two countries. “This is an important issue for both countries, as Afghanistan and Russia’s relations are improving, and both nations have significant trade and economic needs. It is essential for both sides to remove any obstacles to their cooperation.”
At the same time, Dmitry Peskov, the Kremlin spokesperson, said on Tuesday in a press briefing that the removal of the Taliban name from Russia’s banned groups list must be formalized.
Several members of the Russian parliament have also presented a draft bill that would allow for to temporarily removal from Russia’s list of banned groups.
Political and international relations experts say that deepening cooperation between the Islamic Emirate and Russia could pave the way for strengthening diplomatic ties between the two nations.
Mohammad Zalmay Afghanyar Popal, a political analyst, explained: “In the past three years, the Afghan government has followed an economy-centric policy and refrained from intervening in other countries’ internal affairs, which has led to Russia’s satisfaction with expanding relations with Afghanistan.”
Wali Forozan, an international relations expert, noted that Russia is seeking closer ties with the Islamic Emirate to safeguard its own interests. “For security reasons and global competition, Russia is trying to find allies, as it is vulnerable on three fronts, one of which is Afghanistan. Moreover, statements by Donald Trump regarding Afghanistan and Bagram Airbase have heightened Russia’s interest in Afghanistan,” he said.
Although Russia has repeatedly stated since the Taliban came to power that it would remove the group’s name from its list of banned organizations, the decision has yet to be implemented.
Over the past three years, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have already removed the Taliban from their respective lists of banned groups in an effort to strengthen relations with Afghanistan.
