Sergei Naryshkin, head of Russia’s Foreign Intelligence Service, has arrived in Kabul and met with Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Taliban’s intelligence agency.
The purpose of the visit and details of the discussions between the two sides have not yet been officially announced. The visit comes as relations between Moscow and the Taliban have expanded in recent years, with the two sides maintaining contacts and cooperation in various areas, including security.
About two weeks ago, Russia invited a military delegation affiliated with the Taliban Ministry of Defence’s training department to observe the 2026 military exercises. Russian President Vladimir Putin also attended the exercises.
On July 3, 2025, Russia formally recognized the Taliban government, becoming the first country to officially recognize its government since the group returned to power in 2021. The decision paved the way for further expansion of relations between Moscow and the Taliban.
Last September, the head of Turkey’s intelligence agency also visited Kabul in a trip described as an effort to ease tensions between Kabul and Islamabad. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov had previously said that Moscow was ready to mediate between Afghanistan and Pakistan and help reduce tensions between the two sides.
#PanahPress #Afghanistan #Russia #Taliban #SergeiNaryshkin #AbdulHaqWasiq #Kabul #Intelligence #AfghanistanRussiaRelations
