KABUL: Afghanistan’s Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi emphasized the need for “constructive engagement” with the international community during a conference in Kabul on Monday. The event brought together special envoys and representatives from 11 countries, including China, Russia, India, Pakistan, and Iran.
Muttaqi urged for the “development of regional cooperation for constructive engagement” to address existing and potential threats in the region.
Despite the Taliban’s government in Kabul not receiving official recognition from any other government since taking power in 2021, Muttaqi conveyed the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s commitment to respecting others’ interests while expecting reciprocal respect for Afghanistan’s interests.
Since the Taliban assumed power, they have enforced a strict interpretation of Islam, limiting women’s participation in almost all aspects of public life. Afghanistan’s economy, already strained by decades of conflict, faces additional challenges due to international sanctions on the banking system and foreign assets.
In December, the UN Security Council passed a resolution calling for the appointment of a special envoy for Afghanistan, a proposition rejected by Kabul as “unnecessary.” Muttaqi reiterated this stance on Monday, asserting that Afghanistan “does not need another UN special representative.”
A UN meeting on the situation in Afghanistan is scheduled for February 18 and 19 in Doha, Qatar. The meeting aims to discuss strategies for increased international engagement in a more coherent, coordinated, and structured manner, according to a UN statement.
Muttaqi urged participants from the Kabul meeting to present the “ground realities” at the upcoming conference.
