Russia has become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan since it took power in 2021, announcing on Thursday it has accepted an ambassador from the Islamist group.

Russia has become the first country to formally recognize the Taliban’s government in Afghanistan since it seized power in 2021, after Moscow removed the group from its list of outlawed organizations.

In a landmark move, Russia has become the first country to officially recognize the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan, calling it a step toward stronger bilateral cooperation. The announcement came after a meeting between Afghanistan's Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Russian Ambassador Dmitry Zhirnov in Kabul.