Russia on Tuesday proposed reviving cooperation with Afghanistan through the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) during talks between Russian Security Council Secretary Sergey Shoigu and Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Moscow.
Shoigu said Afghanistan’s integration into international relations and regional transport and energy projects was important for improving security and stability in the region. He suggested restarting cooperation with Kabul through the SCO’s existing contact group.
Shoigu said Moscow supported a united, independent and peaceful Afghanistan and was prepared to work with the Afghan authorities on combating terrorism and drug-related crime.
He also criticized suggestions that US and NATO military facilities could return to Afghanistan, describing such plans as unacceptable. Shoigu said Russia hoped other countries would also recognize the Taliban-led Afghan government.
Muttaqi thanked Russia for recognizing Afghanistan’s current administration and said Kabul wanted to expand cooperation with Moscow, particularly in economic and security matters.
He described the Moscow Format consultations as an important Russian initiative that has provided a platform for regular political discussions among countries in the region. He said the process should continue and be further developed.
Earlier Tuesday, Muttaqi met Russian Deputy Prime Minister Alexey Overchuk in Moscow. On Monday, he attended the eighth Moscow Format consultations and also held talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in August 2021 after US-led forces withdrew, bringing a two-decade war to an end.
In July 2025, Russia became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban administration as Afghanistan’s government.
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