Russia and Afghanistan: Bridging the Diplomatic Gap

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and Afghanistan's acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, discussed economic cooperation and counter-terrorism on a phone call. This follows Russia's recognition of the Taliban government. Both ministers highlighted a mutual interest in trade, economic, and security collaboration.

In a significant diplomatic engagement, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of Afghanistan's Taliban government, on Wednesday. The discussion centered on enhancing economic cooperation and addressing counter-terrorism efforts, according to a statement from Lavrov's ministry.

This diplomatic initiative comes as Russia recently became the first country to recognize the Taliban government formally, three months after the group's seizure of power following a disordered U.S.-led withdrawal in August 2021.

Lavrov and Muttaqi underlined the importance of boosting cooperation in trade, economic, and humanitarian endeavors. Both ministers also stressed the necessity for strengthened regional security through collaborative efforts against terrorism and drug trafficking.

(With inputs from agencies.)