Taliban Acting Foreign Minister Holds Phone Talks with Kazakh Counterpart
Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Acting Foreign Minister, held a phone conversation on Sunday with Yerzhan Nygmatulin, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister, to discuss the expansion of bilateral relations, economic cooperation, and recent regional developments.
According to a statement released by the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry, Muttaqi stated during the call that the Taliban administration values diplomacy, mutual understanding, and respect, and seeks engagement with neighboring countries based on the principles of non-interference and constructive cooperation.
He emphasized that maintaining good relations with neighbors like Kazakhstan reflects the Taliban’s intention to promote stability, economic growth, and regional understanding.
These remarks come despite the Taliban’s regional conduct drawing criticism, particularly from neighboring countries such as Iran and Pakistan. Recent escalations include increased border clashes with Pakistan and the failure to deliver Iran’s legal share of water from the Helmand River, both of which have sparked widespread condemnation.
In response, Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister praised what he described as the Taliban’s “constructive position” and expressed hope that regional stability could be achieved through economic cooperation, mutual trust, and continued dialogue.
However, analysts suggest that the Taliban’s diplomatic pledges are often inconsistent with on-the-ground realities. As long as repressive domestic policies and strained relations with regional neighbors persist, the prospects for meaningful engagement remain limited.
