Tajikistan’s Role In Russia’s Relations With Afghan Taliban
KABUL: (MEP) Following reports on Moscow’s contacts with the Taliban in Afghanistan, an adviser to President Mohammad Ashraf Ghani who refused to be named, said that Tajikistan plays an important role in establishing diplomatic outreach of Russia and the Afghan Taliban.
Ghani’s adviser in an interview with the Voice of America (VOA) has said that Taliban always strives for recognition by the international community.
According to the report, Russia’s diplomatic contacts with the Taliban has increased as it is trying to prevent the infiltration of Islamic State (IS) terrorist group in Central Asia.
According to the source, Uzbekistan is the only country that has not contacted the Taliban, but Tajikistan has a very important role in establishing calls between Russia and Taliban.
This comes as Russia has strengthened its relations with the Afghan government by military assistance and in some economic cases.
Meanwhile, Wahid Muzhda, political expert says that Russia does not want to seem as pro-Taliban since it has good relations with Afghanistan.
Stephen Blank, Russian expert at the US Council on foreign policy has also said that Russia is concerned about the deteriorating security situation in Central Asia.
