KABUL, Afghanistan — Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, extended an invitation to Ishaq Dar, Pakistan’s newly appointed foreign minister, for a visit to Kabul during a phone call.
Zia Ahmad Takal, the Taliban’s deputy spokesman for its foreign ministry, conveyed that Muttaqi congratulated Dar on his new role and expressed hope that his appointment would significantly strengthen the ties between the Taliban and Pakistan. Muttaqi also emphasized the importance of Pakistan’s contribution to enhancing these relations.
The discussion between the two officials included measures to facilitate travel, medical care, and trade across the Durand Line, which demarcates parts of the land border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Furthermore, Muttaqi had a separate conversation with Uzbekistan’s Foreign Minister, Bakhtiyor Saidov. This dialogue, according to an earlier statement by Takal, focused on the progress of agreements reached during a recent Uzbek delegation’s visit to Afghanistan, highlighting the ongoing diplomatic efforts of the Taliban administration to strengthen regional partnerships.
In the last two years, tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan have escalated. Islamabad has accused the Taliban of offering safe havens to the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), an allegation Kabul has denied. Furthermore, the two sides have experienced armed confrontations along the Durand Line, marking a period of deteriorating relations amidst efforts to stabilize the region.
