by Shabir Ahmadi
Alexander Mantytskiy, the Russian ambassador to Afghanistan, on Thursday confirmed Russia has ties with the Taliban, but said the relationship aimed to ensure the protection of Russia's political offices in Afghanistan.
He said that the U.S has failed to accomplish its counter-terrorism task in Afghanistan effectively and that Russia is deeply concerned about the expansion of terrorist groups such as Daesh in Afghanistan.
"We have ties with the Taliban to ensure the security of our political offices, consulates and the security of central Asia," he said.
He declared the Taliban a political faction and urged diplomacy with the group.
"Russia has always said that peace and national reconciliation was a need, so the process must move forward under the leadership and ownership of the Afghans," he added.
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