Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that it is necessary to build relations with the Islamic Emirate due to their control over Afghanistan.

Putin told journalists on Tuesday, during a state visit to Tashkent, relations need to be built “accordingly”.

“These people (IEA) control the country and its territory and are the current rulers of Afghanistan,” he said.

Without elaborating on issues, he did however say that “everyone is aware of” current problems in the country.

“How to establish relations with the Taliban (IEA) is another question, but we must somehow [maintain] relations with them,” he added.

Referring to regional partners, including Central Asia countries, on establishing relations with the IEA, Putin said: “We take into account the opinions of each of our partners and friends and will coordinate on this issue.”

Putin’s remarks come a day after Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, put forward a proposal to remove the IEA from Moscow’s terrorist list.

Speaking to TASS news agency, Kabulov said: “This must be done. Without this, it will be premature to talk about recognition. Therefore, work on this issue continues. All considerations have been reported to the top leadership of Russia. We are waiting for a decision.”

According to him, the Islamic Emirate government has come a long way towards being recognized since it came to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

“But there are still a few hurdles to overcome, after which the Russian leadership will make a decision,” Kabulov pointed out.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has welcomed Putin’s remarks and those of other Russian officials.

The Islamic Emirate says that Afghanistan has a sovereign government and system and seeks interaction and good relations with all countries in the region and the world.

In reaction, John Kirby, the National Security Communications Advisor of the White House, said on Tuesday that Russia’s investigation into the removal of the IEA from the list of terrorist groups and the possible recognition could send a “terrible message” to other countries.

In response to a question whether this Russian action will have a message for America’s competitors, including China and Iran, Kirby said: “We think that [this action] will have a terrible message.”