A top Kremlin official says the US must not be allowed to retake a massive airbase in Afghanistan, warning it could lead to “new conflicts”. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov made the comments as he hosted a delegation of Afghanistan’s ruling Taliban government in Moscow.
The Taliban last month rejected a bid from President Donald Trump to take back control of Bagram Air Base, which was America’s largest military site during the 20-year war in Afghanistan. In a warning to the US, Mr Lavrov said: “The deployment of military infrastructure of any third countries on the territory of Afghanistan, as well as on the territories of neighbouring states, is categorically unacceptable under any pretext.” The base has been in the hands of the Taliban since the chaotic withdrawal of US forces in 2021.
“The military presence of any extra-regional players could only lead to destabilisation and new conflicts,” Mr Lavrov said.
“The history of Afghanistan has seen a lot of situations with foreign military presence. I believe everyone should have drawn the right conclusions long time ago.”
Mr Trump previously cited Bagram Air Base’s close proximity to China — the US’ biggest economic and military competitor — as one of the reasons the US wants a presence there again.
“It’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons,” he said. “So a lot of things are happening.”
Mr Lavrov praised the Taliban for its efforts to combat so-called Islamic State and other extremist groups, as well as eradicate illegal drugs, at the start of an international meeting on Afghanistan.
Taliban retook control of Afghanistan in August 2021 after the drawdown of American and NATO, including the UK, forces.
The former Soviet Union fought a 10-year war in Afghanistan that ended with Moscow withdrawing its troops in 1989.
Russia is the only country to have formally recognised the Taliban government.
Mr Lavrov said Russia was hoping to strengthen business links with Afghanistan, while working closer together on issues including anti-terrorism.
The Taliban initially promised a more moderate rule than during its first stint in power from 1996 to 2001 but has increasingly introduced restrictions on women and girls.
Women are barred from most jobs and public places, including parks, baths and gyms, while girls are banned from education beyond sixth grade.
Officials from China, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan also took part in the talks in Moscow on Tuesday.
