MOSCOW: Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov urged the West on Friday to lift sanctions on Taliban-led Afghanistan and take “responsibility” for the country’s reconstruction.
Moscow is also considering removing its designation of the Taliban as a “terrorist” organization, a move that could enhance cooperation between Russia and Kabul.
“We call on Western countries to recognize their responsibility for the post-conflict reconstruction of Afghanistan, lift sanctions, and return Kabul’s expropriated assets,” Lavrov stated.
The Taliban has faced Western sanctions for over two decades, initially imposed to restrict funding for al-Qaeda and other designated terrorist groups.
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s presidential envoy on Afghanistan, expressed optimism that a “final decision” regarding the removal of the Taliban from Russia’s “terrorist” blacklist would be announced soon, according to state news agencies.
These comments came during Russia’s annual diplomatic forum on Afghanistan, which included envoys from the Taliban as well as neighboring countries in the Middle East and Central Asia. Since the Taliban regained power in 2021 following the US withdrawal, Russia has sought to strengthen its ties with the group.
The Soviet Union fought a decade-long war in Afghanistan during the 1980s, a conflict that led to the rise of mujahideen fighters, many of whom later became Taliban leaders. This war is also viewed by historians as a factor contributing to the Soviet Union’s collapse.
Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia’s FSB security agency, stated that he envisions “mutually beneficial” cooperation with Afghanistan’s security services.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi is currently in Moscow for discussions.
Lavrov also emphasized that Russia would not accept “third countries” establishing military bases in Afghanistan or setting up new military facilities in neighboring nations “under any pretext.” Russia maintains a significant military base in Tajikistan, an ally that shares a border with Afghanistan.
