Taliban Delegation to Attend Antalya Diplomacy Forum

Afghanistan: A delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has left Kabul for Turkey to attend the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, from March 11-13.

The meeting will focus on tensions in Ukraine, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the Afghan situation will also be on the agenda of the talks.

“There will be talks with the international countries about Afghanistan and the acting Foreign Minister, on the sidelines of the meeting, will speak with the representatives of other countries regarding Afghanistan,” said Zia Ahmad Takal, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.

The Islamic Emirate earlier said that the delegation was invited by the Turkish Foreign Ministry.

The political analysts believe that the official invitation of the Islamic Emirate to such meetings could pave the way for diplomatic relations between the current Afghan government and the world.

The meeting will be attended by diplomats and representatives of more than 200 countries including NATO and the UN.

“This meeting is very important. The Afghan delegation’s participation in this meeting, and discussion over various matters, will be helpful, considering the current situation,” said Bilal Karimi, deputy spokesman for the Islamic Emirate.

The acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has so far attended meetings in Turkey, Iran, Russia, Pakistan and Norway, and has called for international recognition of the Afghan government.

“The official invitation of the new government authorities to Turkey shows that Turkey is interested in recognition of the caretaker government and encourages other countries to engage with the current Afghan government,” said Ahmad Munib Rasa, a political analyst.

Earlier, the Islamic Emirate said that the third round of the meetings among regional foreign ministers will be held in Beijing this month, and Muttaqi will also take part.