Taliban’s quest for good neighborliness

The Acting Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi, convened a meeting with the Ambassadors and Heads of diplomatic missions from all neighbouring countries including Russia, China, Iran, Pakistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, India, Turkey, and Indonesia. Mr. Muttaqi told the foreign envoys that the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan seeks to establish friendly and mutually beneficial relations with all nations, promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The Foreign Minister emphasized that in the presence of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) and the independent central government, there is no requirement for the appointment of special representatives by foreign countries in Afghanistan.

Afghanistan embarks on a new phase in its history after the Taliban movement regained its control of the Country over two years ago in August 2021. There were wide-ranging expectations and apprehensions in the global community, the Afghan public, and the neighbouring countries about the conduct of the Taliban leaders who previously ruled Afghanistan leading to the collapse of their government in late 2001. There was a mix of hopes and fears and the majority of the political analysts were optimistic about the newly formed Afghan government because of the Taliban’s previous experience and assurances regarding the preservation of gains made by the country in respect of social development, civil liberties, human and women rights under the US occupation over the past two decades. However, the interim government did not uphold its pledges under the Doha agreement gradually reversed all fundamental freedoms and did not sever its ties with prescribed militant organizations. These circumstances attracted worldwide criticism and prompted concerns in neighboring states and the global community leading to Afghanistan’s isolation at the global levels.

The Taliban interim government has taken an important diplomatic endeavour to improve its relations with neighbouring countries of Afghanistan, which would have far-reaching effects on regional peace and stability if backed by effective measures that could satisfy the concerns of regional states particularly concerning terrorism, that has rung bells in the entire region. Otherwise, such interactions would have no use except to attract headlines in the media.