Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Discusses Security Cooperation with Taliban

05 March

Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan Dmitry Zhirnov met with Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Interior Minister in the Interim Afghan government formed by the radical Taliban, in Kabul. This meeting took place amidst the backdrop of the Taliban's ban in Russia, highlighting the complex dynamics of international relations and security cooperation.

 

As reported by the Taliban Interior Ministry, Haqqani focused on the continuation and development of cooperation between Russia and Afghanistan, as well as enhancing cooperation in the security sphere. The discussion also covered the situation in Afghanistan and the broader region.

 

On February 14, Zhirnov had a separate meeting with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, ahead of a special envoys' meeting on Afghanistan in Doha. The Taliban delegation declined to participate in the consultations due to the organizers not meeting their conditions. They insisted on direct talks with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and their participation as the sole representative of Afghanistan.

 

According to a statement from the Russian Embassy in Kabul, the Russian side, at the request of the Afghan authorities, chose not to participate in the Doha event. This decision was made because the selection process for the event was deemed non-transparent and conducted without Kabul's knowledge.

 

 

GSV "Russia - Islamic World"

Photo: Federation Council

Based on materials from TASS