Taliban’s acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said Wednesday their diplomatic relations with Turkey have turned “normal” and have been elevated to the ambassadorial level, calling the development a “significant achievement” for their foreign policy.
Speaking at an event in Ankara, Muttaqi said they have appointed Saneullah Farahmand as their ambassador to Turkey.
Muttaqi said Farahmand is as an Islamic scholar with the title Sheikh al-Hadith.
This comes despite the fact that no nation has formally recognized the Taliban regime since they seized power in August 2021. Still, the Taliban have maintained informal diplomatic ties with several countries, including Turkey, Russia, China, and Iran.
Turkish authorities have not publicly commented on the appointment or whether they recognize the elevated diplomatic status.
Muttaqi said the Taliban have directed their embassies and consulates abroad, including in Turkey, to treat Afghan migrants “without discrimination,” regardless of political affiliation or their stance on the Taliban.
He also claimed that Afghanistan is now safe for all citizens and that no one is persecuted on the basis of religion, language, or political background. As evidence, he pointed to the return of some Afghan migrants during religious holidays such as Eid.
However, human rights organizations and independent observers continue to report cases of arbitrary arrests, intimidation, and reprisals, particularly against former government employees, women, and members of minority groups. Many Afghan refugees have chosen to remain in neighboring countries due to concerns about repression and security risks under Taliban rule.
Muttaqi emphasized Farahmand’s religious credentials and his fluency in several national and international languages, presenting the appointment as a sign of the Taliban’s evolving diplomatic approach.
