KABUL, Afghanistan — The new Uzbek ambassador to Afghanistan, Oibek Usmanov, presented his credentials to Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, according to a statement from the Taliban-run Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday.
During the meeting, Muttaqi assured the ambassador of cooperation and called on Uzbekistan to take “effective steps” toward implementing major economic projects in Afghanistan. Usmanov, for his part, pledged to strengthen bilateral relations during his tenure, the statement said.
Close ties without recognition
Uzbekistan, a neighboring country to Afghanistan, has maintained close ties with the Taliban since their return to power in August 2021. However, like other nations, it has stopped short of formally recognizing the group’s government.
In October, Uzbekistan accepted Abdul Ghafar Baher as the Taliban’s envoy in Tashkent, one of the few instances of such acceptance in the region.
Currently, 40 Afghan embassies, consulates, and diplomatic missions, including the consulate in Mumbai, India, are either under Taliban control or managed by their appointees.
More than three years after the Taliban regained power, no country or international organization has officially recognized their administration.
The international community has outlined conditions for recognition, including the Taliban’s commitment to combating terrorism, cutting ties with extremist groups, forming an inclusive government, and respecting human rights, particularly women’s rights.
