Russia's Special Representative for Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, met with Afghanistan's Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani, on Wednesday, April 23, Interfax reports, citing the press center of the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
“During the meeting, the parties exchanged views on security issues, economic and trade cooperation between Afghanistan and the region, as well as strengthening relations between the two countries,” the statement said.
It was noted that Haqqani highly appreciated Moscow's recent actions towards Afghanistan and considered them an important step towards accepting the political realities of Afghanistan.
The parties also emphasized the need to elevate diplomatic relations to the level of embassies and reaffirmed their commitment to mutual cooperation in security and trade, according to the Afghan Ministry of Interior.
Russia's Ambassador in Kabul, Dmitry Zhirnov, was also present at the meeting.
Later, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that on April 23, Special Representative of the Russian President for Afghanistan, Kabulov, and Ambassador Zhirnov held working meetings with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi and Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani.
"Afghan leadership representatives were informed that, in line with the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation's decision to suspend the ban on the Taliban's activities in Russia, the Russian side has decided to upgrade Afghanistan's diplomatic representation in Moscow to the level of an embassy," the statement published on the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website said.
On April 17, the Supreme Court of Russia suspended the ban on the Taliban's activities in Russia. In connection with the suspension of the terrorist status of the Taliban, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Russia aims to build mutually beneficial ties with Afghanistan in all areas, including counterterrorism, narcotics, and increasing cooperation in trade and investments.
