Baku, Azerbaijan: Staff report
July 4, 2025
Afghanistan’s deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar Akhund, has called on member states of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) to officially recognise the Taliban-led government in Kabul, following Russia’s recent move to accept its diplomatic credentials.
Russia has become the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in Afghanistan. The decision marks a historic milestone for the Taliban nearly four years after their return to power, and it underscores how shifting global interests are reshaping old alliances and enmities.
Speaking at the 17th ECO Heads of State Summit in Baku, Baradar described Russia’s recognition as a “positive step” towards ending Afghanistan’s international isolation. He said the development could pave the way for deeper regional economic cooperation and more constructive engagement with the Afghan authorities.
“We appreciate the Russian Federation for acknowledging the legitimate political reality in Afghanistan,” Baradar said in his keynote address. “We sincerely hope that other ECO member countries will take similar steps and recognise the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, so we can collectively address shared economic and security challenges.”
The Taliban administration has long sought broader diplomatic acceptance since regaining power in August 2021. Most countries, however, have held back formal recognition, citing concerns over human rights, women’s education, and inclusive governance.
Baradar stressed that Afghanistan’s stability is critical for regional connectivity projects, including the TAPI gas pipeline, the Belt and Road corridors, and the North-South transport network. He argued that recognising the current government would help unlock investment and infrastructure development across the region.
In addition to his call for recognition, Baradar used his address to invite ECO leaders to hold the organisation’s next summit in Kabul, pledging that Afghanistan is fully prepared to host.
The Afghan deputy prime minister also voiced solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning Israel’s military actions in Gaza and reiterating Afghanistan’s support for “the liberation of Palestine and the defence of Al-Quds Al-Sharif.” (ST)
