Moscow formally recognizes Afghan interim government

Russia has officially recognized the Afghan interim government, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan said in a statement late Thursday. According to the statement of the Afghan foreign ministry, Zhirnov, the Russian Ambassador to Afghanistan, met with Muttaqi, Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, to formally deliver Moscow's decision to recognize the Islamic Emirate as the official government of Afghanistan.

Zhirnov called the move as a "historic step" toward deepening ties and strengthening cooperation between the two nations, the statement noted. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Andrey Rudenko received copies of Letters of Credence from the newly appointed ambassador of Afghanistan to Russia, said a statement of the Russian foreign ministry on July 3.

mitv