Russia Moves to Delist Taliban, Boosting Afghan Diplomatic Ties

Afghanistan and Russia stand to gain from Moscow’s decision to potentially remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations, according to Mohammad Suhail Shaheen, the Taliban-appointed ambassador to Qatar. Shaheen made the remarks during an interview this week, highlighting a shift in regional diplomacy.

The Russian Prosecutor General’s Office recently submitted a formal request to the Supreme Court to lift the 2003 ban on the Taliban’s activities in Russia. The hearing is scheduled for April 17, marking a significant potential change in Moscow’s official stance.

Since the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in 2021, following the withdrawal of U.S. and NATO forces, Russia has increased its diplomatic engagement with the group. This outreach reflects a broader strategy to strengthen regional partnerships and influence in Central Asia.

Shaheen described Russia’s legal move as “a constructive step,” emphasizing that both nations “have shared interests in fostering cooperation across various sectors.” He argued that the existing ban had been a barrier to bilateral engagement and needed to be removed to enable progress.

The Taliban representative stated that the Afghan government is eager for Russia to play a role in rebuilding the war-torn nation. “Afghanistan has vast opportunities – from mineral wealth to agriculture and infrastructure – that could attract investment and development,” he said.

He also emphasized the Taliban’s regional focus, stating, “Russia is a key power in the region. Our policy is to maintain strong relations with all neighboring and regional countries.”

Surprisingly, Shaheen noted that even the United States could contribute to Afghanistan’s reconstruction, despite its history in the country. “We do not want Afghanistan to be a battleground for geopolitical rivalries,” he said. “Our cooperation with Russia will not be hindered by our position toward the U.S.”

The Taliban’s growing international outreach was on display last year when its representatives attended the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia. Shaheen confirmed that Afghanistan aims to strengthen ties with global organizations and wants its envoys to speak directly on international platforms. “We seek engagement and dialogue at global events where we can present our views firsthand,” he said.

This potential policy shift by Russia could reshape diplomatic dynamics in the region, especially as global powers reconsider their positions toward Afghanistan’s current leadership.