Afghanistan Times
Related Articles
AT News
KABUL – In response to rapidly declining relations with Pakistan, the Taliban are intensifying diplomatic outreach to regional powers and neighboring countries. The Taliban’s efforts include active participation in international forums, such as the World Economic Forum in St. Petersburg, Russia, and engagements with Iran, China, Russia, and the UAE.
Notably, Abu Dhabi ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan recently met in Kabul with Taliban Home Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, underscoring the UAE’s interest in maintaining ties. Additionally, there have been contacts with West Asian nations and other global players.
Kabul has also sought to establish communication with New Delhi. Following the formation of the interim government in Afghanistan in 2021, Deputy Foreign Minister Sher Muhammad Abbas Stanikzai reached out to India, initiating a window for formal diplomatic exchanges.
Conversely, relations with Pakistan are growing increasingly hostile. Kabul’s refusal to address the activities of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants within its borders has strained ties, exacerbated by Pakistan’s travel restrictions on Afghan nationals and the expulsion of Afghan refugees.
Experts believe that Kabul’s diplomatic efforts may falter unless they address critical issues such as human rights and women’s education and employment. Sweden-based Afghan analyst Nur Rehman Sherzad emphasized that the Taliban government, which has not formulated a foreign policy since taking power in August 2021, lacks diplomatic and legal recognition.
