Moscow: Russia hosted a delegation of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government here Tuesday and issued a strong warning against a foreign military presence in the country, reported AP. Speaking at the start of an international meeting on Afghanistan in Moscow, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov praised the Taliban government for efforts to combat the Islamic State and other extremist groups, as well as eradicate illegal drugs.
Lavrov emphasised that “the deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan, as well as on the territories of neighbouring states, is categorically unacceptable under any pretext.”
Last month, the Afghan government rejected a bid by U.S. President Donald Trump to retake Bagram Air Base, four years after the chaotic U.S. withdrawal from the country left the sprawling military facility in the Taliban’s hands.
“The military presence of any extra-regional players could only lead to destabilisation and new conflicts,” Lavrov said. “The history of Afghanistan has seen a lot of situations with foreign military presence. I believe everyone should have drawn the right conclusions long time ago.”
The former Soviet Union fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Moscow withdrawing its troops in 1989.
Since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the pullback of U.S. and NATO forces, they have sought international recognition. In July, Russia became the first country to recognise the Taliban’s government after removing the group from its list of outlawed organisations.
At Tuesday’s talks, Lavrov said Russia was looking forward to expanding business ties with Afghanistan and boosting anti-terrorism and anti-narcotics cooperation. He assailed the West for conducting “hostile” policies toward Kabul, maintaining a freeze on its assets and other sanctions.
Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi praised “the bold move of the Russian Federation to officially recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
“I appreciate it and wish that all countries follow the same path,” he said.
Muttaqi said the Moscow talks offer “a good opportunity for the countries of the region to listen to each other’s views,” noting his government has created an opportunity “to ensure comprehensive security after four decades and provide a good ground for investment, economy, transit and connectivity.”
Officials from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also took part in Tuesday’s talks.
While Russia was the first country to recognise the Taliban administration, the group had engaged in high-level talks with many nations and established some diplomatic ties with countries, including China and the United Arab Emirates.
