WRITTEN BY: CHIOMA MADONNA NDUKWU
Russia plans to remove the Taliban from its list of banned terrorist organizations, three years after the group’s return to power in Afghanistan.
This follows Kazakhstan’s recent decision to delist the Taliban. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced the move, highlighting Russia’s ongoing relations and trade with Afghanistan despite international sanctions.
Lavrov emphasized that while this change does not equate to official recognition of the Taliban’s government, it aims to bolster diplomatic relations. Russia has extended an invitation to Taliban delegates for the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum, signifying deeper economic ties.
Russia’s historical context with Afghanistan includes a decade-long war in the 1980s against mujahideen militants. The Taliban has been on Russia’s terrorist list since 2003, and this decision reflects a significant shift in Russia’s stance towards the group.
#OMAGIST@AFRICAWORLDNEWS
