Russia Recognizes Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as Government in Solar Year 1404

In the Afghan solar year 1404, Russia recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan as the country's government on 13 Saratan in an unprecedented move.

Russian President Vladimir Putin, during a trip to India on 14 Qaws 1404, stated that "the Taliban openly control the situation in Afghanistan; this is a fact that must be accepted. They have taken many steps against terrorist groups, including ISIS and others. Afghan officials have reduced the level of narcotics and are actively fighting drug smuggling at the borders."

Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Islamic Emirate, responded on 13 Saratan 1404, saying other countries should "fulfill their responsibilities in developing their relations with Afghanistan and to cooperate with Afghans in general... recognize the system and government so that interactions can be created."

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, on 7 Jadi 1404, said the recognition "paved the way for creating government-to-government cooperation in various fields, including regional security."

Alireza Bikdeli, charge d'affaires of the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, told Tolo News there is no obstacle to recognition and that Iran "will soon recognize the Islamic Emirate" at the appropriate time.

No other countries followed Russia's lead by the end of solar year 1404, despite hopes for allies close to Moscow. International actors continued to cite conditions for recognition, including respect for human rights -- especially women's and girls' rights -- formation of an inclusive government, national dialogue, and counter-terrorism efforts.

James Kairo, Britain's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations, said support is "conditional on the Taliban taking meaningful steps and adhering to their international commitments, especially those related to counter-terrorism and the rights of women and girls."

Suhail Shaheen, on 28 Hoot 1404, called the UN blacklist of over 22 Islamic Emirate officials an obstacle to interactions and urged its removal along with the release of frozen Afghan assets.