Kazakhstan Offers to Mediate Between Kabul and Islamabad to Ease Tensions
Serik Zhumanqarin, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy of Kazakhstan, during his visit to Kabul, called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their disputes through diplomatic channels. He stated that Kazakhstan is ready to mediate between the two neighbors to reduce tensions if officially requested.
He emphasized that as two Muslim neighboring countries, Afghanistan and Pakistan must settle their contested issues at the negotiation table. According to him, the President of Kazakhstan also stresses resolving any conflicts through dialogue, and Astana urges both sides to avoid escalating tensions.
Zhumanqarin further referred to bilateral relations between Kabul and Astana, noting that Kazakhstan kept its embassy in Kabul operational even during difficult years. He added that Kazakhstan was among the first countries to officially designate a diplomatic mission in Afghanistan and appoint a resident ambassador.
The Kazakh official also mentioned that Kazakhstan has removed the “Islamic Emirate” from its list of banned groups, and that the Afghan embassy in Astana and its consulate in Almaty continue their activities.
He expressed hope that the issue of the Taliban administration’s recognition will progress within political and diplomatic frameworks. This comes while the Taliban administration has not yet been recognized by many countries, and the international community has insisted that establishing an inclusive political structure and respecting fundamental rights, particularly those of women, are key prerequisites for official engagement.
The high-level Kazakh delegation, led by Zhumanqarin, arrived in Kabul on June 20 and held talks with Taliban authorities about expanding economic, trade, and political cooperation.
