In an article published in the Russian newspaper “Rossiyskaya Gazeta,” Shoigu stated, “The factor directly linked to drug production in Afghanistan remains the activity of terrorist groups in the emirate.” He pointed out that Russia is ready to assist in stabilizing the situation in Afghanistan by developing cooperation in combating terrorism and drugs.
The Russian Security Council Secretary added that the greatest concern is caused by the activities of the Afghan wing of the Islamic State – Khorasan Province (a terrorist organization banned in Russia), which has training camps and support bases, particularly in the east, north, and northeast of the country.
Shoigu added, “The Afghan leadership is making maximum efforts to combat terrorism, and Kabul regularly eliminates ISIS militants. Of course, if it weren’t for the sanctions imposed by Western countries on the Taliban, this battle would be more effective.”
He explained that “despite the official refusal to recognize Taliban power, Britain, Germany, and the United States are seeking rapprochement with Kabul, with delegations from these countries visiting Afghanistan frequently recently.”
Earlier, Zamir Kabulov, the Russian President’s special envoy to Afghanistan, announced that Russia had officially recognized the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. Last April, Zamir Kabulov met with the Afghan Ministers of Foreign Affairs and Interior, informing them of raising the level of the Afghan mission in Moscow to the rank of ambassador. Later, Kabulov stated in an interview with “Sputnik” that the arrival would conclude the issue of recognizing the Afghan authorities.
