Russia last year became the first country to ​formally recognise the Taliban government that seized power ​in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a ⁠chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of ​war.

Interfax news agency quoted Russian official Sergei Shoigu ​as saying cooperation with Kabul was important for the security and development of the region.

Shoigu, who is secretary of Russia’s Security ​Council, said Moscow was building a “pragmatic dialogue” with ​the Taliban that included security, trade, culture and humanitarian support.

He ‌was ⁠speaking at a meeting with his counterparts from the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), a 10-member grouping that includes China, India, Iran, Pakistan and a number of ex-Soviet ​states.

The SCO should ​revive its ⁠contact group with Afghanistan, Shoigu added.

The Taliban was outlawed by Russia as a ​terrorist movement in 2003, but the ​ban was ⁠lifted in April 2025. Russia sees a need to work with Kabul as it faces a major ⁠security ​threat from Islamist militant groups based ​in a string of countries from Afghanistan to the Middle East.