Abdul Ghani Baradar, Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs of the Taliban, addressed the 17th Summit of Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) leaders and requested that the next session be held in Kabul.
In his speech, he emphasized that the Taliban is fully prepared to host this important meeting.
During the summit held on Friday, July 4, 2025, Baradar asked ECO member countries to follow Russia’s example by taking practical steps toward recognizing the Taliban government.
He claimed that the Taliban has gained recognition from Russia as a result of its “balanced foreign policy and economy-focused approach.”
The summit was attended by presidents, prime ministers, and high-ranking officials from ECO member countries in Khankendi, Azerbaijan.
Baradar’s participation marks the Taliban’s first official presence at the ECO leaders’ summit since recent political developments in Afghanistan.
This diplomatic move is seen by analysts as another step by the Taliban to emerge from isolation and expand regional relations.
