Russia on Thursday became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan since it seized power in 2021, after Moscow r emoved the group from its list of outlawed organizations.

In a landmark move, Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, calling it a step toward stronger bilateral cooperation. The announcement came after a meeting between Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul.

Russia is the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group seized power in 2021, according to its Foreign Ministry.