Moscow in ‘no rush’ to recognize Taliban government

Russia’s top diplomat says Moscow is “in no rush” to recognize the new Taliban government in Afghanistan and calls for an inclusive dialogue of all political forces in the country.

Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov says Russia is “just like all other countries” and “in no rush to recognize” the Taliban government. At the same time, Lavrov notes “encouraging signals from the Taliban, who are declaring their desire to have a government with the participation of other political forces.”

His remarks come as the Taliban in Kabul declare an “amnesty” across Afghanistan and have urged women to join their government. Lavrov also says Moscow supports “the beginning of an inclusive national dialogue with the involvement of all political and confessional forces in Afghanistan.”

Russia designated the Taliban a terrorist organization in 2003, but has since hosted several rounds of talks in Afghanistan, most recently in March, that involved the group.