00:00Meanwhile, Russia says it is building what it calls a full-fledged partnership with Afghanistan's Taliban government
00:07and is urging regional countries to deepen cooperation with Kabul.
00:11Moscow last year became the first country to formally recognize the Taliban government,
00:16which returned to power after the US-led withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021.
00:22Russian security official Sergei Shoigu said cooperation with Kabul is important for regional security and development.
00:30He said Moscow is developing what he described as a pragmatic dialogue with the Taliban,
00:35including on security, trade, culture and humanitarian support.
00:40Shoigu made the comments at a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization,
00:44which includes China, India, Iran and Pakistan.
00:47The development comes as the Taliban government remains embroiled in rising tensions with Pakistan,
00:53with both sides accusing each other of cross-border attacks and militant activity.
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