An official from Afghanistan’s Taliban movement, identified as the head of its Foreign Ministry, met with Russia’s ambassador to Kabul. The discussions were reported by a television channel citing a Taliban Foreign Ministry spokesperson. The meeting reportedly focused on easing visa procedures for Afghan citizens and businesspeople seeking travel to Russia. The exchange signals ongoing diplomacy between the two sides, with Moscow considering how to handle travel and economic ties with Afghanistan under Taliban governance.
The Taliban previously expressed an interest in attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit slated to take place in Kazakhstan. This intention was noted prior to the meeting with the Russian ambassador, suggesting a broader goal of engaging with major regional platforms beyond Afghanistan’s borders. Observers note that participation in the SCO depends on the consensus of its member states and observers, a point emphasized by Moscow when queried about the matter.
A Kremlin spokesperson stated that any decision regarding the Taliban’s presence at the next SCO summit must be agreed upon by all SCO members. When pressed about the Taliban’s desire to attend, the spokesperson acknowledged that the issue would be weighed before the upcoming SCO gathering, reflecting the delicate balance at work in regional diplomacy and security considerations.
Meanwhile, reports from Afghanistan have highlighted social policy changes, including restrictions affecting women in public life, such as the closure or curtailment of certain beauty services. These developments continue to shape the internal climate and the international response to Afghanistan under Taliban governance, informing observers and policymakers about the broader human rights and economic context in the region. Attribution for these reports remains with the broadcasting outlets and subsequent statements from party or government-affiliated officials, as cited by regional news services.