The government of Afghanistan created by the Taliban (banned in Russia) is not representative and inclusive, but it is necessary to work with it. Russian president Vladimir Putin expressed this view on Friday at the joint meeting of leaders of the Collective security treaty organization (CSTO) and the Shanghai cooperation organization (SCO).
"The Taliban movement, having become almost the full ruler of the country, has formed its own government, which has taken responsibility for the future of Afghanistan. It is an interim government, as the Taliban themselves say, and it cannot be called really representative or inclusive," Putin said, noting that there are no representatives of other ethnic groups in this government.
"But it seems to be necessary to work with it, of course, too. And, as for recognition, I believe and agree with those who have spoken on this matter, it is necessary to coordinate our position on this issue," the Russian leader said.
According to Putin, a dialogue would be "optimal within the framework of the extended Afghanistan troika mechanism (a format with participation of Russia, China, Pakistan, and the US - TASS), work in this area is already being done". Putin also recalled the previous Moscow format of consultations on Afghanistan in which many other SCO and CSTO countries took part. "Its work, if necessary, can be restored if all its members agree," said the Russian leader.
In addition, the president mentioned his proposal to consider resuming the activity of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group, "which was created precisely to work with the Afghan partners."
Russia is interested in Afghanistan becoming an independent, neutral, united and democratic state, Putin added.
"Of course, we are deeply interested in Afghanistan becoming an independent, neutral, united and democratic state, free of terrorism, war, drugs, living in peace and harmony with its neighbors," the Russian leader stressed.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Creative Commons
Based on materials from TASS