Afghanistan Peace CampaignThe Islamic Emirate must pursue this while maintaining a policy of neutrality.
Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special representative for Afghanistan, stated that Afghanistan is not a priority for Moscow; however, due to its geographical location and geopolitical interests, it holds significant importance.
In an interview with a Russian media outlet, he also emphasized that establishing normal relations with the Islamic Emirate is in Russia’s interest and that a legal framework should be provided for it.
According to Kabulov, removing the Islamic Emirate from Russia’s list of banned groups is a key condition for initiating official and economic cooperation with Afghanistan.
He stated: “Without removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of banned groups, establishing official relations will not be possible—not only in terms of security institutions, but also in economic and trade sectors.”
“Russia is one of the major political, economic, and military powers in the region and the world. The better relations we have with Russia, the more beneficial it will be for us. Also, in the past three years, Russia has managed to establish good relations with the Islamic Emirate,” said Salim Paygir, a political analyst.
Some experts say that relations with regional and global countries, especially Russia, are necessary not only politically but also economically. The Islamic Emirate must pursue this while maintaining a policy of neutrality.
“Expanding political relations between Russia and Afghanistan is a positive step. It is hoped that in addition to political ties, trade relations will also be developed, so that a suitable solution can be found for Afghanistan’s current challenges, which are mostly political and economic. All efforts must be based on the principle of neutrality,” said Janat Faheem Chakari, another political analyst.
“Whether we accept it or not, Afghanistan, due to the internal policies of the Islamic Emirate or external pressures, has been globally isolated. This isolation is not in Afghanistan’s favor. Therefore, both the Islamic Emirate and the country’s people and merchants need to establish relations, especially if such relations are based on national interests with neighboring, regional, and global countries. It will certainly benefit Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarej, former diplomat.
These statements come as Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister, said in a meeting with Kabulov in Kabul that the interim government is soon to appoint a diplomat at ambassador level to Moscow.