An Afghan Taliban delegation recently participated in the third round of the United Nations-hosted meeting of Special Envoys and Special Representatives on Afghanistan in Doha, Qatar. This marked the first time the Taliban attended this meeting since it was launched last year.
During the opening session, Afghan government spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid emphasized the Taliban’s commitment to positive engagement. He addressed issues such as sanctions on officials and economic challenges, highlighting the need to unfreeze Afghanistan’s assets for the country’s financial stability.
The Taliban’s participation in international meetings reflects a shift in diplomatic relations since UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres initiated dialogue last year. Key concerns include the formation of an inclusive government, women’s rights, and media freedom in Afghanistan.
As the talks continue, experts stress the importance of pressing the Afghan delegation on these critical issues to ensure progress towards a more inclusive and rights-respecting government in Afghanistan.