Afghan Foreign Minister Discusses Cooperation and Regional Developments with Chinese Ambassador

Acting Afghan Foreign Minister Mawlavi Amir Khan Muttaqi met with the Chinese Ambassador in Kabul on Tuesday to discuss political, economic, and cultural cooperation, as well as recent regional developments. During the meeting, Muttaqi expressed appreciation for China's assistance to Afghanistan, including aid for the victims of the recent earthquake in Herat province.

Muttaqi emphasized that Afghanistan's relations with the international community, including neighboring and regional countries, are growing. He specifically mentioned Afghanistan's strong interest in strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations like Malaysia. The Foreign Minister requested that the Malaysian government provide health and education facilities for the approximately 3,000 Afghans currently residing in Malaysia.

A Malaysian delegation, which included representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs, defense, and interior, positively assessed the political situation in Afghanistan. They expressed Malaysia's interest in expanding relations with Afghanistan, particularly through trade and investment opportunities, as well as training programs for Afghan diplomats and civil servants.

Why this matters: The meeting between the Afghan Foreign Minister and the Chinese Ambassador highlights the Taliban-led government's efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties and secure international support. As Afghanistan continues to face political and economic challenges, cooperation with regional powers like China and Southeast Asian countries could play a vital role in the country's stability and development.

Muttaqi's meeting with the Chinese Ambassador comes ahead of upcoming talks in Islamabad, Pakistan, where he is expected to meet with the Chinese and Pakistani foreign ministers. The talks are likely to focus on regional security and economic issues. "Afghanistan's relations with the international community, including neighboring and regional countries, are growing," Muttaqi stated, emphasizing the importance of diplomatic engagement for the Taliban-led government.

Key Takeaways

• Afghan FM Muttaqi met Chinese envoy, discussed political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
• Muttaqi requested Malaysia provide health, education facilities for 3,000 Afghans in Malaysia.
• Malaysian delegation positively assessed Afghanistan's political situation, expressed interest in expanding ties.
• Muttaqi to meet Chinese, Pakistani FMs in Islamabad, likely to discuss regional security, economy.
• Taliban-led govt seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties, secure international support amid challenges.