TOLOnews reports that since the beginning of this solar year 1404, more than twenty senior officials of the Islamic Emirate, including Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, deputy prime minister for economic affairs, and Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting minister of foreign affairs, have traveled to more than twenty regional and extra-regional countries.
These trips, which have been to China, Russia, Iran, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, Qatar, and several other countries, are reportedly seen as a clear attempt to gradually emerge from international isolation and to strengthen bilateral and regional relations.
According to TOLOnews, the main focus of these trips, alongside establishing diplomatic ties, has been discussions on trade, border security, combating drug trafficking, and migration.
Abdul Latif Nazari, deputy minister of economy, stated: “The travels of senior Islamic Emirate officials to important and influential regional countries have elevated the level of political, diplomatic, trade, and economic relations, and this trend continues to benefit the national interests of the country.”
Meanwhile, some countries have, without official announcements, started practical engagements with the Islamic Emirate, including ambassador exchanges and limited economic agreements, according to TOLOnews.
Some analysts reportedly believe that although these travels have not led to official recognition, they have played a role in shifting the regional political atmosphere in favor of the Islamic Emirate.
Abdul Sadeq Hamidzoy, a political affairs analyst, said: “The travels of Islamic Emirate officials abroad and the visits of representatives of other countries to Afghanistan indicate that they have recognized the realities of Afghanistan and are engaging with it officially.”
Fazl Rahman Oria, another political affairs analyst, said: “Most travels of the officials have been to Central Asian countries and to Russia, China, and others. The national interests of these countries necessitate engagement with Afghanistan, and Afghanistan has also engaged with them while considering its own interests.”
Nearly four years have passed since the Islamic Emirate returned to power, but no country has formally recognized the interim government. However, the repeated trips by current government officials indicate a new strategy aimed at establishing a regional position, focusing on neighboring countries, Asian powers, and Islamic institutions instead of waiting for Western recognition.
