KABUL, Afghanistan — Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister, traveled to Saudi Arabia on Friday, in what Taliban officials described as a significant step toward strengthening ties with the Gulf kingdom.
Zabihullah Mujahid, spokesman for the Taliban, announced the visit on social media, calling it “an important move to further improve cordial relations” between the two sides. Mujahid also noted that Muttaqi received “an honorable and high-level protocol welcome” from Saudi officials, which he said reflected Riyadh’s “goodwill” toward the Taliban.
While the official purpose of the trip remains unclear, images circulated by Taliban-affiliated media appear to show Muttaqi participating in the Umrah pilgrimage, suggesting a religious aspect to the visit. Saudi officials have not publicly commented on the trip.
The visit comes despite the fact that Saudi Arabia, like most of the international community, has not formally recognized the Taliban government since it returned to power in August 2021. Diplomatic contacts between Riyadh and the Taliban have remained limited and largely unofficial.
Muttaqi’s presence in Saudi Arabia also raises questions given that he remains on the United Nations sanctions list. The U.N. imposed sanctions on him and other senior Taliban figures following the September 11, 2001, attacks, including travel bans and asset freezes that technically remain in effect.
