Russia to Hold Seventh Moscow Format Talks on Afghanistan with Taliban as Full Member

Reported by Kokcha News Agency:
Russia plans to hold the seventh Moscow Format talks on Afghanistan in September or October 2025, according to Zamir Kabulov, Moscow’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. Although a specific date has not yet been confirmed, Kabulov stated the meeting will follow the precedent of previous sessions held in the fall.

Taliban’s Full Participation
The announcement comes amid significant developments in Russia’s policy toward the Taliban. On April 17, 2025, the Supreme Court of Russia approved a request from the Prosecutor General’s Office to suspend the designation of the Taliban as a terrorist organization. The Russian Foreign Ministry later noted that this decision would pave the way for full-scale cooperation between Moscow and the Taliban, which it described as beneficial for both Russian and Afghan citizens.

Following recent consultations held in Qatar as part of the Doha process under UN oversight, Kabulov told TASS News Agency that the Taliban will participate in the upcoming meeting as full members. “The date has not been finalized, but traditionally we plan to hold it in September or October,” he added.

Agenda and Regional Focus
Kabulov emphasized that Russian officials, along with regional partners and the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, have already begun discussions on the agenda for the talks. The consultations are expected to focus on regional security, economic cooperation, and counterterrorism efforts, with an emphasis on stabilizing Afghanistan and strengthening coordination in Central Asia.

Previous Moscow Format Talks
The sixth round of the Moscow Format was held on October 4, 2024, in Moscow and included participation from senior officials and special envoys from India, Iran, China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting Foreign Minister, attended as a special guest, underscoring the Taliban’s growing regional engagement despite ongoing global non-recognition.

Russia’s Evolving Policy
The upcoming Moscow Format round is expected to be a milestone in Russia’s diplomatic normalization with the Taliban. Analysts believe the meeting may further solidify Moscow’s evolving policy of pragmatic engagement, especially as Western powers remain hesitant to formally recognize the Taliban government.

As regional actors continue to adjust their positions on Afghanistan’s future, Russia appears to be positioning itself as a central player in shaping the country’s post-U.S. trajectory.