KABUL: Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, has said Moscow is developing a “full-fledged partnership” with the Islamic Emirate and is encouraging other regional countries to expand cooperation with Kabul.
Reuters reported on Thursday, citing Russia’s Interfax news agency, that Shoigu made the remarks during a meeting of security officials from member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO).
According to the report, Shoigu also called for the reactivation of the SCO-Afghanistan contact group.
The Russian security chief said Moscow is engaged in “pragmatic dialogue” with the Islamic Emirate, including cooperation in the areas of security, trade, culture, and humanitarian assistance.
He stressed that cooperation with Kabul is valuable for regional security and development.
Russia is one of the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council and officially recognized the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan last year.