KABUL — The Taliban’s foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said at a session on Monday that they aim to foster “positive relations” with the West, including the United States and the EU, “same as their ties with countries in the region.”
Speaking at a meeting in Kabul, Muttaqi said the Taliban delegation has been invited to participate in an upcoming Doha meeting.
“The Doha meeting will begin in the coming days. The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan [Taliban] has been officially invited. This invitation signifies the growing recognition of the Islamic Emirate [Taliban] by the international community,” Muttaqi said.
He also emphasized the Taliban’s strong ties with neighboring and regional countries. However, tensions persist. Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of providing sanctuary to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), while Tajikistan has raised concerns about terrorism and drug trafficking originating from Afghanistan under Taliban rule.
“We also seek positive relations with European countries and the U.S.,” Muttaqi added. Despite these diplomatic overtures, significant issues remain.
The international community, including the United States, has expressed concerns about the lack of women’s and girls’ access to basic rights, the formation of an inclusive government, and the potential for terrorist threats emanating from Afghanistan.
