Russia becomes the first country to formally recognize Taliban rule in Afghanistan

MOSCOW AP Russia on Thursday became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban s regime in Afghanistan since it seized power in after Moscow removed the group from its list of outlawed organizations The Russian Foreign Ministry communicated that it had received credentials from Afghanistan s newly appointed Ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan The official recognition of the Afghan establishment will foster productive bilateral cooperation between our countries the ministry stated in a declaration Afghanistan s Foreign Ministry called it a historic step and quoted Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi as welcoming the decision as a good example for other countries Source