KABUL (TOLONews): The acting foreign minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, said the Islamic Emirate is eager to expand its relations with Indonesia in various fields.
While Afghanistan is still striving to strengthen its diplomatic standing globally, Indonesia — the world’s most populous Muslim country — is among the few nations that have shown a green light to engage with Kabul.
During a meeting with Indonesia’s new chargé d’affaires, acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi said that the Islamic Emirate is ready to expand its political, economic, cultural, and educational ties with Indonesia.
Regarding the meeting, the Foreign Ministry’s public relations officer, Zia Ahmad Takal, said: “The acting foreign minister wished the new ambassador success in his mission and said that Indonesia is one of the important countries in the Islamic world, and the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks to establish positive and broad relations with Indonesia in various fields.”
The Indonesian chargé d’affaires in Kabul also stated that his mission would focus on strengthening bilateral relations — a mission that, according to him, could enhance soft diplomacy between the two Islamic nations.
Ties with Indonesia — a key member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the G20 — are considered a significant achievement for Kabul, as the caretaker struggles to recieve recognition globally.
Political analyst Abdul Sadiq Hamidzoy told TOLOnews: “Indonesia has significant political and demographic weight on the global stage, and Afghanistan’s relations with this country will have a positive impact on its diplomatic system.”
Another political analyst, Najiburrahman Shamal, said: “Indonesia is one of the major and important countries in the Islamic world and plays a key role in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Southeast Asian organizations. During a meeting with acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Indonesian envoy expressed a desire to expand relations with Afghanistan.”
Although obstacles and challenges remain in Afghanistan’s diplomatic path, steps such as this meeting are seen as a window of hope for Afghanistan’s gradual reintegration into the international community.
