According to South Korean media, a Taliban military delegation met with a North Korean military official on the sidelines of a military exercise in Russia to discuss military cooperation. This is the first reported instance of direct contact between military officials of the two sides.
South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reported that the meeting took place between Nasibullah Madani, a Taliban army commander, and Ro Ki Chol, North Korea's military attaché in Moscow. The two sides reportedly discussed military training and the exchange of experiences. The Taliban's Ministry of Defense confirmed the meeting by publishing a photograph.
The Taliban delegation, led by Mawlawi Nasibullah Madani, commander of a joint combat training center, had traveled to Russia at Moscow's invitation to participate in the multinational "Center 2026" exercise. The drill was held from September 27 to October 2, 2026, in various regions of Russia.
The Taliban's Ministry of Defense confirmed that its delegation met with military representatives from several countries during the exercise, including North Korea, China, India, Vietnam, Colombia, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan. According to the ministry, discussions focused on "bilateral relations, exchange of military experiences, and specialized training."
This contact occurs while the Taliban and North Korea have no formal diplomatic relations, and Pyongyang has not recognized the Taliban government. The meeting signifies the Taliban's efforts to expand its foreign relations, particularly with countries that have close ties to Russia.
This event can be analyzed in the context of Russia's expanding relations with both the Taliban and North Korea. Moscow has recognized the Taliban government and has significantly strengthened its military and security ties with Pyongyang since the war in Ukraine. The signing of the "Comprehensive Strategic Partnership" treaty between Vladimir Putin and Kim Jong Un in June 2024 was the culmination of this cooperation.
Source: Yonhap News Agency
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