Russia on Tuesday proposed reviving cooperation with Afghanistan through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during a meeting between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Moscow.
Shoigu said Afghanistan’s integration into regional and international relations, including transport and energy initiatives, was important for strengthening security and stability. He suggested restarting engagement with Kabul through the SCO’s existing contact group.
Shoigu said Russia wanted to see a united, independent and peaceful Afghanistan and was prepared to work with Kabul against terrorism and drug trafficking.
He also rejected Western discussions about potentially restoring US and NATO military facilities in Afghanistan, describing such a move as unacceptable. Shoigu said Moscow hoped more countries would recognize Afghanistan’s Taliban-led government.
Muttaqi thanked Russia for recognizing the current Afghan government and said Kabul wanted to expand cooperation with Moscow, particularly in economic and security matters.
He praised the Moscow Format consultations as an important Russian initiative that has created a platform for regular political discussions among regional countries. Muttaqi said the process should continue and develop further.
Earlier Tuesday, Muttaqi met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk. On Monday, he participated in the eighth Moscow Format consultations and also met Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Taliban returned to power in August 2021 following the withdrawal of US-led forces, ending a 20-year war. In July 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban administration as Afghanistan’s government.
PRESS UPDATE