KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban on Wednesday hailed China’s new ambassador to Afghanistan with fanfare, saying his arrival is an indication for different nations to return ahead and set up relations with them.
The Taliban seized energy in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew after 20 years of warfare. Their leaders are underneath sanctions and no nation acknowledges them as Afghanistan’s professional rulers. The nation’s seat on the United Nations continues to be held by the previous Western-backed authorities that was led by Ashraf Ghani.
Solely a handful of countries have working diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, together with China, the world’s second-largest economic system. The 2 sides have been open about their want for nearer ties, particularly industrial ones.
Ambassador Zhao Sheng’s automotive swept by way of the tree-lined driveway of the Presidential Palace escorted by a police convoy. He was greeted by uniformed troops and met top-ranking Taliban officers, together with Mohammad Hassan Akhund, who heads the administration, and International Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.
It’s the first time for the reason that Taliban takeover that an envoy to Kabul has been afforded such lavish protocol.
Muttaqi stated the 2 international locations had particular ties and that Zhao’s nomination was a “important step with a big message.” He didn’t elaborate additional.
The Taliban’s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, informed The Related Press that it’s custom for brand spanking new ambassadors to current their credentials to the pinnacle of the nation.
“It additionally alerts to different international locations to return ahead and work together with the Islamic Emirate,” stated Mujahid. “We must always set up good relations because of good interactions and, with good relations, we are able to remedy all the issues which might be in entrance of us or coming sooner or later.”
He didn’t reply questions on what Zhao’s presence meant for the Taliban’s demand for official recognition.
The worldwide group, cautious of the Taliban’s rule after they have been final in energy greater than 20 years in the past, has withheld official recognition and Afghanistan’s property overseas have been frozen.
A press release from China’s embassy in Afghanistan issued Wednesday urged the worldwide group to keep up its dialogue and encourage the nation to place in place an inclusive political framework, undertake reasonable insurance policies, fight terrorism and develop pleasant exterior relations.
It stated sure international locations must “draw classes” from what occurred in Afghanistan, abandon double requirements on combating terrorism, return the nation’s abroad property, and elevate sanctions.