Taliban Defense Minister: Russia Military Agreement Not Directed Against Any Country

DID Press: Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid, the Taliban’s Defense Minister, has rejected concerns surrounding the recent technical-military agreement between Kabul and Moscow, stressing that the deal is aimed at strengthening Afghanistan’s defense capabilities and is not directed against any other country.

Zabihullah Mujahid announced on social media platform X that the defense minister reiterated the agreement was signed solely to enhance national security and military capacity.

According to the statement, interpretations suggesting external targeting or regional implications are “baseless,” and the cooperation with Russia is strictly based on Afghanistan’s defense needs.

The Taliban defense minister also stated that the administration is open to similar agreements with other countries and is willing to engage in discussions with any state interested in technical and military cooperation with Afghanistan.

Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid signed the technical-military cooperation agreement with Russian officials during his visit to Moscow last week, on the sidelines of an international security forum.

The development comes amid expanding diplomatic and security engagement between Kabul and Moscow in recent years, with both sides emphasizing broader cooperation in political, economic, and defense sectors.