KABUL: In a significant diplomatic move, top Russian security official Sergei Shoigu visited with Afghan government officials on Monday, assuring them that Moscow is poised to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations, a development welcomed by Kabul officials.
This high-level Russian delegation’s visit aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts spearheaded by China and Iran, where special envoys from these nations are currently engaged in discussions in Kabul. This gathering marks a rare convergence of representatives from three noted rivals of the United States since the recent electoral triumph of Donald Trump.
Shoigu, who serves as the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, met with an Afghan cohort led by Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Abdul Ghani Baradar at the opulent Chahar Chinar Palace, a significant venue in Kabul. During their discussions, Shoigu articulated Russia’s keen interest in fostering enhanced bilateral cooperation with Afghanistan, as noted in a statement released by Baradar’s office on the social media platform, X.
Kabul assured of restoring Afghanistan’s observer status in SCO
In an important announcement, Shoigu confirmed that in a bid to bolster political and economic relations, the Islamic Emirate, which is the self-designation of the Taliban government, will soon be expunged from Russia’s blacklist. Analysts are interpreting this gesture as a potential move by Moscow to cultivate stronger ties with Kabul, particularly in light of the ongoing threat posed by the Islamic State Khorasan (IS-K), the Afghan affiliate of the militant group, which has sparked severe security concerns in the region.
Following a devastating incident in March where over 140 lives were lost during an IS-K siege on a concert hall in Moscow, the Taliban authorities reiterated their commitment to prioritizing national security and removing any militants posing a threat from Afghan soil. “The Taliban certainly are our allies in the fight against terrorism,” stated Russia’s ambassador to Afghanistan, Dmitry Zhirnov, in July. “They are working to eradicate terrorist cells,” highlighting the mutual interest in tackling the IS-K threat.
The discussions also underscored potential avenues for collaboration in critical sectors such as trade, transit, and investment, as communicated by Taliban representatives. Key topics included the establishment of political relations, economic partnerships, and the prospect of Russian investments in vital Afghan sectors like mining, transportation, and agriculture. Shoigu further emphasized Russia’s backing of the Afghan-Trans project, a significant initiative aimed at enhancing Afghanistan’s connectivity within the region.
Baradar stressed the Taliban’s dedication to eradicating narcotics cultivation and eliminating security threats both within Afghanistan and in its neighboring areas. “We are working to create opportunities for Afghanistan to export to the region and beyond,” Baradar asserted, pointing out Afghanistan’s ambition to play a central role in fortifying the North-South economic corridor.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
In a pivotal meeting with Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Political Deputy Chief Minister, Shoigu articulated Russia’s objective to reinstate Afghanistan’s observer status within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) under the aegis of Taliban leadership. This meeting included participation from Russian officials, notably Special Envoy for Afghanistan Zamir Kabulov, alongside Taliban intelligence director Abdul Haq Wassiq, indicative of a unified approach in addressing regional stability.
Additionally, China’s Special Envoy Yue Xiaoyong engaged with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi earlier this week to articulate China’s keen interest in pursuing economic cooperation. Although Russia and China have yet to unveil the specifics of their meetings, analysts propose that these diplomatic endeavors signify a coordinated effort by the three nations to contend with shared concerns regarding Afghanistan’s stability and to curtail US influence in the region.
Published in Dawn, November 26th, 2024
What are the potential security benefits for Russia in cooperating with the Taliban against ISIS-K?
**Interview with Dr. Alexei Petrov, International Relations Expert**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Dr. Petrov. Thank you for joining us today. We’ve seen significant diplomatic developments with the recent visit of Russian security chief Sergei Shoigu to Kabul. What do you think are the implications of Russia’s decision to remove the Taliban from its blacklist?
**Dr. Petrov:** Thank you for having me. This move is quite significant. By planning to remove the Taliban from its list of banned organizations, Russia is not only signaling a shift in its foreign policy but also attempts to strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with Afghanistan. It reflects a broader strategy to position itself in a region where both China and Iran are actively engaging, particularly as all three nations share a common interest in countering the influence of the United States.
**Interviewer:** That’s an interesting perspective. The meeting seems to have been centered around enhancing cooperation, especially in terms of security against threats like ISIS-K. How important is this aspect?
**Dr. Petrov:** The rise of ISIS-K poses a considerable threat not just to Afghanistan but also to the stability of neighboring countries. For Russia, which experienced a tragic attack in March resulting in a significant loss of life, collaboration with the Taliban in counter-terrorism efforts is becoming increasingly crucial. Both sides may see this partnership as beneficial; the Taliban can gain international legitimacy, while Russia looks to secure its borders and stabilize the region.
**Interviewer:** Beyond security, there were discussions about economic cooperation as well. What potential areas could this cooperation cover?
**Dr. Petrov:** Economic partnerships could span various sectors. Given Afghanistan’s rich mineral resources, there’s potential for trade and investment opportunities that could benefit both nations. Additionally, transit routes for goods could be a focus, enhancing regional connectivity. For Russia, stabilizing Afghanistan may open doors for broader economic initiatives in Central Asia, particularly in energy and infrastructure projects.
**Interviewer:** This visit also coincides with diplomatic activities from China and Iran. How do you see their roles intertwining with Russia’s outreach to the Taliban?
**Dr. Petrov:** China and Iran have been quite proactive in engaging Afghanistan since the Taliban’s rise to power. For China, there’s a strategic interest to ensure stability, particularly for its Belt and Road Initiative. Iran shares concerns about security spillover, given its border with Afghanistan. The convergence of these three powers presents a united front against U.S. influence, allowing them to pursue their regional interests more cohesively. It’s a complex game of diplomacy where these nations are seeking to redefine their roles in a post-American Afghanistan.
**Interviewer:** with the Taliban seeking to restore its observer status in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), what does this mean for international relations in that context?
**Dr. Petrov:** The Taliban’s potential return to the SCO would mark a significant shift in international relations. It would grant them a platform for legitimacy and further integration into the international community. For the SCO members, it represents an opportunity to engage with a government that, despite its controversial status, can play a critical role in regional security dynamics. Thus, engaging the Taliban within such multilateral frameworks might be a strategy to ensure that they are held accountable in terms of security and governance.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Petrov, for your insights on this developing situation. It’s clear that these diplomatic maneuvers could reshape regional dynamics significantly.
**Dr. Petrov:** My pleasure! It’s indeed a critical period for Afghanistan and the surrounding nations. Let’s continue to watch how these relationships evolve.
