Taliban and North Korea Hold Talks During Military Exercises in Russia

The Taliban and North Korea held talks during Russia’s Center-2026 strategic military exercises.

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Defense reported the talks on October 3.

The exercises were held from September 28 to October 3. Representatives from Afghanistan and North Korea attended the drills as observers.

Nasibullah Madani, commander of the Joint Combat Training Command, led the Afghan delegation. He met with North Korean military attaché Ro Ki Chol. A photo released by the Afghan ministry shows the two together at an arms exhibition.

According to Safir TV, during the visit, Taliban representatives also held talks with military officials from China, India, Vietnam, Colombia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and other countries.

The ministry said the discussions covered bilateral relations, the exchange of military experience, professional training, and opportunities for cooperation.

These topics referred to the Afghan delegation’s meetings in general. The statement did not provide any specific details about the talks with North Korean representatives or mention any concrete agreements with Pyongyang.

In addition to observing the exercises, the delegation visited a military equipment exhibition. The exhibition featured heavy weapons, drones, long-range missiles, and robotic systems.

The Taliban is also strengthening its military ties with Russia. As Militarnyi previously reported, on May 27, 2026, the two sides signed an agreement on military-technical cooperation.

The agreement’s text was not made public. According to Zamir Kabulov, Russia’s special envoy for Afghanistan, the agreement primarily provides for the restoration of military equipment already in the Taliban’s possession.

The Russian side has also said it could establish training centers to maintain the equipment.

Meanwhile, Russia is expanding its military partnership with North Korea. In June 2024, Moscow and Pyongyang signed a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty.