MOSCOW, Russia: Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov called on Western nations to lift sanctions on Afghanistan and take responsibility for rebuilding the war-torn country, now under Taliban rule. Speaking at a diplomatic forum in Moscow on Friday, Lavrov emphasized that the West should recognize its obligation to Afghanistan’s post-conflict reconstruction and return Kabul’s frozen assets.
Although Moscow has fostered ties with the Taliban since they regained power in 2021, Lavrov did not clarify if Russia would remove the group from its own list of “terrorist organizations.” Despite Western sanctions, which have been in place for over two decades, Lavrov’s comments reflect Russia’s growing interest in deeper cooperation with Afghanistan.
During the forum, Russia’s security chief, Alexander Bortnikov, expressed interest in mutually beneficial cooperation with Afghanistan’s special services. Lavrov also strongly opposed the presence of any foreign military bases in Afghanistan or its neighboring countries.
Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, attended the talks, underscoring the ongoing dialogue between Russia and the Taliban. Russia’s strategic influence in the region, including its military presence in Tajikistan, remains a key factor in its Afghanistan policy.
