Russia becomes the first country to recognize the Taliban government

KABUL, 9 Apr. (DPA/PE) –

Russia has become this Saturday the first country in the world to recognize the Taliban government at the head of Afghanistan since the Islamist movement took power in August 2021.

A spokesman for the Taliban Foreign Ministry announced this Saturday that the Afghan Embassy in Moscow has been officially handed over to its representatives. For Moscow, the previous representation ceases to be valid and will go to a new charge d’affaires, Yamal Gharwal.

“Last month the first Afghan diplomat sent by the new authorities arrived in Moscow and received accreditation at our Ministry,” Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said Thursday in remarks reported by the Russian Interfax news agency.

Lavrov said that despite “lack of managerial experience, financial and economic constraints, political and diplomatic pressure from the United States and its allies, the new government of Afghanistan has generally succeeded in keeping the state afloat.”

Until now, no country had recognized the Taliban government, which is responsible for harsh restrictions on human rights, particularly for women, who cannot study in institutes or must travel accompanied by a guardian.