Taliban appoints first UAE ambassador, second envoy to China

Afghanistan’s Taliban-led foreign ministry appointed its first accredited ambassador to the United Arab Emirates, following China’s acceptance of an envoy at that level. While other countries have not officially recognized the Taliban government, Beijing and now the UAE have taken steps to establish diplomatic relations.

Mawlawi Badreddin Haqqani has been nominated as the ambassador, presenting his credentials to the UAE’s foreign ministry. The Taliban’s deeper ties with the UAE, including economic partnerships, indicate a growing relationship between the two nations.

Despite the Taliban’s entry into Afghanistan’s capital in 2021, Western nations like the US have expressed concerns about recognizing the Taliban without significant changes in policies regarding women’s rights and education. The Taliban, in turn, argue that restrictions on their economy hinder their progress.

As the diplomatic landscape evolves, the acceptance of ambassadors signals a potential shift in international relations, although formal recognition remains a point of contention for many nations.