Economy

Taliban commerce minister travels to Kazakhstan for Astana Forum

The Taliban’s acting minister of industry and commerce, Nooruddin Azizi, traveled to Kazakhstan on Wednesday to attend the two-day Astana International Forum, according to a statement from the Taliban-run ministry.

Azizi is expected to speak at the conference on “opportunities and economic growth” in Afghanistan, the statement said. He is accompanied by Mohammad Ishaq Sahibzada, deputy minister of public works for railways, and Ahmad Jan Bilal, head of the Taliban’s state-owned enterprises authority.

The Astana International Forum, held on May 29 and 30, brings together heads of state, international organization officials, and scholars to discuss topics including global economic challenges, climate change, sustainable development, international security, and regional cooperation.

Roza Otunbayeva, the U.N. Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan and head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), is also attending the forum at the head of a U.N. delegation.

The Taliban’s participation comes amid ongoing concerns over the international standing of its officials. Several members of their leadership remain under United Nations sanctions, including travel bans.