SouthernWorldwide.com – Russia and the Taliban government in Afghanistan have reportedly signed a military cooperation pact. This agreement solidifies Moscow’s influence in Central Asia following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan.
The deal was finalized on Wednesday during an international security forum held in Russia. It followed a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu and Afghan Defense Minister Mohammad Yaqoob.
The Taliban’s Defense Ministry announced on X that Minister Yaqoob had traveled to Russia to participate in the conference. Yaqoob holds a significant position as the former military chief of the Taliban and is the son of the group’s founder, Mullah Mohammad Omar.
Mullah Mohammad Omar had previously established a close alliance with Osama bin Laden. During that time, Afghanistan served as a safe haven from which al-Qaeda planned the September 11th terrorist attacks.
As of Thursday, neither Russia nor the Afghan authorities had released further details regarding the specifics of the new military agreement. This lack of immediate disclosure leaves many aspects of the pact open to speculation.
“Afghanistan and Russia share long and historical relations,” Minister Yaqoob stated during the meeting. He further expressed a desire to expand these bilateral ties, indicating a commitment to deeper cooperation.
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This pact comes after statements from a senior Russian security official. The official noted that Moscow has established a “full-fledged partnership” with the ruling Taliban in Afghanistan. This partnership encourages other regional countries to increase their cooperation with Kabul, according to Reuters.
The Taliban regained control of Afghanistan in August 2021. This occurred after they overthrew the U.S.-backed Afghan government led by President Ashraf Ghani. The swift collapse of the previous administration marked a significant geopolitical shift.
In 2021, Russian President Vladimir Putin had acknowledged the possibility of removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of terrorist organizations. This statement signaled a potential shift in Moscow’s approach to the group.
By 2024, President Putin referred to the Taliban as “allies in the fight against terrorism.” This designation coincided with Russia becoming the first country to formally recognize the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. This recognition was a significant diplomatic move.
Nikita Smagin, an expert on Iranian foreign and domestic policies, Islamism, and Russia’s Middle East policy, commented on the development. He stated that after years of indecision, Russia officially recognized the Taliban government. This was reported by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace.
Smagin described the recognition as more of a symbolic gesture than one driven by trade or economic interests. He highlighted that when Taliban militants entered Kabul in August 2021, Russia was already in a favorable position. The Russian diplomatic mission received immediate security, and Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov was the first foreign diplomat to meet the new Afghan rulers.
On Wednesday, Sergei Shoigu also urged Western countries to unfreeze Afghanistan’s sanctioned assets. He emphasized the need for international support for the nation’s recovery.
“We are convinced that Western countries should unfreeze blocked Afghan assets,” Shoigu stated. He added that they should fully acknowledge their responsibility for their 20-year presence in Afghanistan and contribute to the country’s post-conflict reconstruction, according to reports.
Smagin further suggested that Moscow’s actions aim to restore its image as an influential power. He believes that recognizing the Taliban regime serves this purpose. By being the first to establish official diplomatic relations, Russia positions itself for a leading role in regional security discussions.
The recognition of the Taliban, according to Smagin, is an attempt by Russia to assert itself as a leading global force. This move demonstrates a willingness to challenge established norms and set new precedents for other nations.
Reuters reported that Moscow continues to stress the importance of direct engagement with Kabul. This is particularly crucial given the ongoing security threats from various rival Islamist militant groups operating across Central Asia and the Middle East.
Shoigu also mentioned that Moscow is fostering a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban. This dialogue encompasses security, trade, culture, and humanitarian support, as reported on May 14.
