Thu Jul 03 20:07:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

Russia has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan, removing the group from its list of outlawed organizations. This makes Russia the first country to formally recognize the Taliban since they seized power in 2021. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the recognition will promote bilateral cooperation. The Taliban’s Foreign Minister welcomed the decision, calling it a good example for other nations. The news is reported by The Hindu, an Indian newspaper.

**News Article:**

**Russia Formally Recognizes Taliban Government, Aims for Bilateral Cooperation**

*Moscow, July 4, 2025* – In a significant shift in international relations, Russia has become the first nation to formally recognize the Taliban government in Afghanistan since the group took control in 2021. The Russian Foreign Ministry announced the move on Thursday, stating that it had accepted credentials from Afghanistan’s new Ambassador, Gul Hassan Hassan.

The decision includes removing the Taliban from Russia’s list of banned organizations, signaling a clear desire to engage diplomatically with the current Afghan leadership.

According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, the official recognition is expected to “foster productive bilateral cooperation” between the two countries.

The move has been hailed by the Taliban government. Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, welcomed Russia’s decision, stating it sets “a good example for other countries.”

The development, reported by *The Hindu*, highlights the evolving dynamics of international politics surrounding Afghanistan as nations grapple with the implications of the Taliban’s rule. The move is likely to be closely watched by other countries as they consider their own stances towards the Afghan government.

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