Taliban FM urges caution in public remarks toward neighbors and world

KABUL (Amu tv) : Taliban acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has called on Taliban members to refrain from making inflammatory or damaging public statements about neighboring countries and the wider international community.

Speaking at a graduation ceremony at the Taliban’s Institute of Diplomacy, Muttaqi also warned against rhetoric that could undermine the Taliban’s own authority.

“Be cautious with your words so that they do not harm Muslims, our neighbors, or other countries,” Muttaqi said, addressing a graduating class of Taliban diplomats in Kabul. “Your words should not damage the Islamic Emirate or cause harm to yourselves.”

Muttaqi’s remarks come as the Taliban attempt to strengthen diplomatic engagement while still facing broad international isolation nearly four years after seizing power. No country has formally recognized the Taliban government, though the group has built working ties with several regional states.

He emphasized the importance of careful, calculated diplomacy, framing it as essential to safeguarding Afghanistan’s sovereignty from what he described as internal and external threats. “We must shield the Afghanistan of the future from harm — both domestic and foreign,” he said. “This is our responsibility before God.”

The ceremony — the fourth such graduation from the Taliban-run diplomatic training institute — came as the United Nations continues consultations with the group and regional powers over the “Mosaic” proposal. The initiative envisions a pathway to international engagement with the Taliban in exchange for commitments to human rights, counterterrorism, and inclusive governance.

Key elements under discussion include unfreezing Afghan central bank assets, lifting sanctions, and determining who should represent Afghanistan diplomatically — all points of contention amid criticism that Taliban opponents have been excluded from the process.

Women’s rights activists, including Maria Noori, have denounced the talks for marginalizing voices outside the Taliban, particularly women and civil society actors.

Since returning to power in August 2021, the Taliban have actively courted regional governments and international organizations. But while relations with countries like China, Russia, Iran, and Pakistan have deepened, formal recognition remains elusive.