Russia has extended an invitation to the Taliban to participate in the St. Petersburg Economic Forum in June, as reported by the TASS news agency on Monday. The Russian foreign ministry revealed this development, stating that Moscow could potentially remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations. This decision comes three years after the Taliban regained power in Afghanistan. The state-run RIA Novosti news agency further confirmed that Russia intends to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations.
Russia’s relationship with the Taliban dates back several years, during which Moscow has engaged in numerous talks and increased trade with Afghanistan, despite facing international
sanctions. In line with these efforts, Kazakhstan recently removed the Taliban from its list of banned organizations at the end of 2023. This decision aligns with Russia’s plan to boost diplomacy with Afghanistan. However, it falls short of officially recognizing the Taliban government and its self-declared “Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan.”
The Taliban, which seized power from a US-backed government in 2021, has implemented a strict interpretation of Islamic law that effectively restricts women’s participation in public life. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov justified the decision to recognize the Taliban, stating that it reflects the ground reality. Lavrov emphasized Russia’s concern for Afghanistan and its allies in Central Asia.
In addition to the economic forum invitation, Russia has also invited Taliban representatives to the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, a significant event that was once the cornerstone of Russia’s economic relations with the West. Russia’s ongoing efforts to foster ties with the Taliban have been met with skepticism. In 2018, the head of US forces in Afghanistan accused Moscow of providing weapons to the group, a claim that was denied by Russia at the time.
It is worth noting that Russia designated the Taliban as a terrorist organization back in 2003. Moscow’s involvement in Afghanistan has a complex history, including the Soviet Union’s decade-long war in the 1980s against guerilla mujahideen fighters, in an attempt to support a Kremlin-backed government.
Overall, Russia’s invitation to the Taliban to participate in the St. Petersburg Economic Forum and its potential removal from the list of banned organizations reflects the evolving dynamics between the two entities. While it falls short of full recognition, it signals Russia’s interest in engaging with the Taliban and addressing the ground realities in Afghanistan.
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