Russia Supports Taliban’s Claim For Afghanistan Seat At UN, Says Group

The Taliban, citing Zamir Kabulov, Russia's special envoy for Afghanistan, claimed that Moscow supports granting Afghanistan's seat at the United Nations to a Taliban representative.

Abdul Kabir, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs, has also asked for the group's consistent participation in the Moscow Format.

This format, a Russian diplomatic initiative, facilitates discussions between regional countries and the Taliban regarding security and stability in Afghanistan.

Despite repeated requests from the Taliban, the United Nations Credentials Committee postponed, for the third time last year, a decision on granting Afghanistan's seat to the Taliban, and Naseer Ahmad Faiq, the former government's representative at the United Nations, continues to hold this position.

The Arg (Presidential Palace), under Taliban control, reported on Tuesday quoting Zamir Kabulov as saying, that Russia’s positive relations with the Taliban will continue and expand.

Following the Taliban's takeover, Russia is among the first countries to expand its diplomatic relations with the Taliban. Despite widespread global criticism of the Taliban's rule in Afghanistan, Russia has openly defended the Taliban.

Kabulov praised the Taliban for their efforts in combating ISIS and drug trafficking, while also noting Russian investors' interests in Afghanistan.

Abdul Kabir also expressed appreciation for Russia's stance toward the Taliban and appealed for Russian aid in Afghanistan's political, cultural, and infrastructural reconstruction efforts.

This Taliban official said that with joint efforts from Kabul and Moscow, regional threats can be addressed.

Although he did not specify the regional threats, recently the ISIS in Afghanistan, has raised global concerns by carrying out deadly attacks in Iran and Russia.