The Taliban’s Foreign Ministry said Thursday that Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, spoke by phone with Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN under-secretary-general for political and peacebuilding affairs, about humanitarian assistance and efforts to improve the effectiveness of aid delivery in Afghanistan.
According to a ministry statement, the two discussed humanitarian aid operations and “ways to increase the effectiveness of the assistance process.”
The ministry said DiCarlo expressed appreciation for what it described as the Taliban’s “facilitation and cooperation” with humanitarian activities, saying such support was important for the timely and effective delivery of aid.
The Taliban’s account of the conversation comes as UN agencies, including the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, have reported interference by Taliban in humanitarian operations in Afghanistan. The Taliban have also barred Afghan women from working for UN agencies, a restriction that has drawn repeated criticism from the international community.
During the most recent UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan, council members called on the Taliban to reverse restrictions affecting women and girls, including limitations on employment and participation in public life.
The ministry said DiCarlo also briefed Muttaqi on recent developments related to the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan and on ongoing UN efforts in the country.
According to the ministry, both sides concluded the conversation by emphasizing the importance of continued mutual understanding, constructive engagement and expanded cooperation.
The UN so far has not commented on the phone call.
The conversation comes as the UN Security Council extended UNAMA’s mandate for another year in a meeting earlier this week.
