Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, says Moscow has recognized the Islamic Emirate to expand cooperation in combating terrorism and drug trafficking.

In an interview with a Russian media outlet, Kabulov stated that economic engagement between Kabul and Moscow has already begun, and that official recognition of the interim government was necessary to fully legalize this process.

He said: "First of all, Afghanistan is important in the sense that we have well-known concerns about terrorism that used to originate from Afghanistan. Second, there is the issue of drug trafficking. Since we found out that the current regime is doing its best to cope with this problem, it became important to maintain close partnership with the government of Afghanistan. Besides that, we have started to establish economic cooperation with the Afghan authorities. But in order for this cooperation to be legally complete, we need to recognize the government there."

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it has taken note of Russia’s recognition of the Islamic Emirate and considers the relations between Russia and Afghanistan to be a matter between two sovereign states.

Shafqat Ali Khan, spokesperson for Pakistan’s foreign ministry, said: "Russia- Afghanistan relations are a matter between two sovereign states. We have taken note of Russian recognition.”

Some analysts believe Russia’s move to recognize the Islamic Emirate could enhance the political legitimacy of the interim government at the regional level.

Fazl-ur-Rahman Oria, a political analyst, stated: "This is a process, one of recognizing the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan in which Russia has taken the lead. Gradually, other Eastern countries will also recognize Afghanistan and its Islamic government."

The Islamic Emirate’s ambassador in Qatar also welcomed Russia’s decision, saying the country has distanced itself from those that have so far withheld recognition for political leverage.

Suhail Shaheen expressed hope that other "like-minded" countries would follow Moscow’s lead and take steps toward political engagement with Afghanistan. He described Russia’s recognition as beneficial for both Kabul and Moscow.

He said: "With this move, the Russian Federation has distanced itself from those countries that have so far used political pressure to avoid recognizing the Islamic Emirate. It is expected that other Russian allies will follow suit."

Meanwhile, a Kremlin spokesperson announced yesterday that President Vladimir Putin has no plans for direct talks with the leadership of the Islamic Emirate but confirmed that communication at various levels will continue.