Russia is establishing a “full-fledged partnership” with Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban and is encouraging other countries in the region to expand cooperation with Kabul, a senior Russian security official said on Thursday.

Last year, Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government, which seized power in August 2021 as US-led forces staged a chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan after 20 years of war.

Interfax news agency quoted Russian official Sergei Shoigu as saying cooperation with Kabul was important for the security and development of the region.

Shoigu, the secretary of Russia’s Security Council, said Moscow was building a “pragmatic dialogue” with the Taliban that included security, trade, culture and humanitarian support.