Sergei Shoigu, Russia's National Security Council Secretary, met with Mullah Baradar, the Taliban's Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs, during his visit to Kabul on Monday, November 25.

Shoigu is the highest-ranking official from Moscow to visit Kabul since the Taliban came to power in August 2021.

Baradar’s office announced that the discussions during the meeting focused on political relations, economic cooperation, trade, transit, and investment.

According to Mullah Baradar’s office, the Russian official visited Kabul "under the directive" of Vladimir Putin and was accompanied by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Special Representative for Afghanistan.

Baradar emphasised during the meeting that Afghanistan’s foreign policy is centered on economic priorities. He highlighted that the country’s security and stability make it a hub for regional economic cooperation.

The Taliban reported that Shoigu promised to remove the Taliban from Moscow’s blacklist. Additionally, both parties agreed to establish a joint commission with various committees to enhance cooperation in trade, transit, and investment.

Relations between Russia and the Taliban have garnered attention since the group’s return to power. While Moscow has not formally recognised the Taliban as Afghanistan’s legitimate government, it has maintained relations with the group for strategic and security reasons. Russia is also one of the few countries that has kept its embassy in Kabul operational and continues diplomatic engagements.