Moscow’s special envoy to Afghanistan, Zamir Kabulov, on Friday praised Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) saying it was “doing its best to cope” with terrorism and drug trafficking.

The remarks came a day after Russia officially recognized the IEA, becoming the first major global power to formalize diplomatic relations with the IEA government. Kabulov, speaking to RT on Friday, said the move was driven by the need for full-scale political engagement and legally grounded cooperation between Moscow and Kabul.

He noted that economic cooperation with Afghanistan had already begun, but to make it “legally complete” Moscow needed to recognize the government. “Now it’s time for our political interaction in full-fledged terms and conditions,” he stated.

Kabulov, who previously served as Russia’s ambassador to Kabul, said the IEA has undergone a transformation since first taking power in the 1990s.

“This time, Taliban (IEA) came into power as a national [movement],” which is focused all its efforts on domestic interests, he said.

In April, Russia’s Supreme Court removed the IEA from its list of terrorist organizations, clearing the way for formal diplomatic engagement. Kabulov also pointed to growing economic dialogue, noting the IEA’s participation in Russian forums and discussions around investment and resource development.