'Need To Deal With Reality': Russian Prez Putin Calls For Moscow To 'Build Up' Ties With Taliban
Putin’s remarks came on the sidelines of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum on Wednesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday called for Moscow to "build up" relations with the Taliban government. This comes as a Taliban delegation visits Russia on Wednesday. He said that the Taliban government is in power in Afghanistan, and there is a need to deal with reality.
Speaking at a meeting with foreign news outlets, the Russian President said, "We have always believed that we need to deal with reality. The Taliban are in power in Afghanistan... We have to build up relations with the Taliban government," as quoted by news agency AFP. Putin’s remarks came on the sidelines of the Saint Petersburg International Economic Forum on Wednesday.
Last week, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said that Moscow planned to take the Taliban off its list of banned terrorist organisations nearly three years after the group seized power from a US-backed government.
Speaking during Putin’s visit to Uzbekistan in Central Asia, Lavrov had said, "They are the real power" in Afghanistan, as quoted by AFP. The Taliban has been designated a terrorist organisation in Russia since 2003.
The move can further boost diplomacy between Moscow and Afghanistan, but it would fall short of official recognition of the Taliban government. Russia has for years fostered ties with the Taliban.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Russian President cautioned the West that Moscow could use all available means to defend itself if there is any threat to its sovereignty or territorial integrity.
Putin stated that the West had repeatedly accused Russia of nuclear sabre rattling but said this was wrong and pointed out that it was the United States that had used nuclear weapons against Japan in World War Two.
Speaking to senior editors of international news agencies in St. Petersburg, the Russian President said that Moscow’s nuclear doctrine permits such weapons to be used in response to a number of threats. "For some reason, the West believes that Russia will never use it," Putin said.
He further stated, "We have a nuclear doctrine, look what it says. If someone's actions threaten our sovereignty and territorial integrity, we consider it possible for us to use all means at our disposal. This should not be taken lightly, superficially," as quoted by Reuters
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