In an exclusive interview with IRNA, Alexander Shatilova emphasized that both Tehran and Moscow had predicted that the exit of the American forces from Afghanistan might lead to coming back to power of the Taliban and the emerging of threats for the region and the world.
Iran and Russia’s role in shape taking of Afghanistan’s future
Shatilova said that Iran and Russia had long ago predicted coming back to power of the Taliban after the US forces’ exit form that country, adding: "Russia had from the beginning of the crisis begun negotiations with the Taliban to get informed about their ambitious geopolitical intentions."
“I believe the Taliban will under the current conditions begin settling down the internal affairs in Afghanistan, but in the future beyond doubt they will pose threats against neighboring countries, including their probable interference in Central Asian countries,” he said.
The Russian university professor said that the existence of a majority of Pashtuns among the commanders of Taliban and their pressure against the Shia minority in Afghanistan is another possible threat that cooperation between Iran and Russia might decrease the possibility of its occurrence.
“Iran and Russia can in their official, or informal relations with the Taliban urge them to decrease the sphere of their influence in the region and block the path for their interference beyond Afghanistan’s borders,” he added.
Professor Shatilova said that the Taliban have now gained power in a country that has very rich mineral resources and a very strategic geographical position.
"Iran and Russia must try to establish political and military ties with the Taliban to encourage them to also have economic ties with them, so that they will be dissuaded from intentions of destabilizing the neighboring countries and the region," he said.
Golden opportunity for Iran and Russia
The head of College of Political Sciences and Sociology of Financial University of Moscow turning to coming to power of a new government in Iran said that under the current conditions "we can further strengthen our relations, as the leaders in both countries favor it".
“Iran and Russia are both under the western sanctions and I believe as two regional powers with rich cultures and civilizations can in addition to their political, economic and military cooperation move towards strengthening ties in cultural, tourism, and academic fields,” said the Russian top academic figure.
Professor Shatilova said that he is currently cooperating with the University of Tehran in an academic program, hoping that such moves will further expand in the future.
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