Russia said on Thursday it had accepted the credentials of a new ambassador of Afghanistan, making it the first nation to recognise the Taliban government of the country. In a statement, the Russian Foreign Ministry said Moscow saw good prospects to develop ties and would continue to support Kabul in security,

Pakistan on Friday reacted cautiously to the Russian decision recognising the Afghan Taliban government, saying the matter was between the two sovereign states. "We have seen the news about Russian recognition of the government in Kabul," said Foreign Office spokesperson Shafqat Ali Khan at a weekly news briefing.

Russia has become the first nation to recognize the Taliban government of Afghanistan since it took power in 2021, announcing on Thursday it has accepted an ambassador from the Islamist group.