A high-ranking delegation from Tajikistan recently visited Kabul for talks with senior Taliban officials, marking a potential shift in Dushanbe’s cautious stance toward Afghanistan’s de facto rulers.
According to Afghan media, the Tajik delegation held a meeting with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s acting foreign minister. Further meetings are expected with Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund and Abdul Haq Wasiq, head of the Taliban’s intelligence agency.
Tolonews reported that the primary agenda included political dialogue, bilateral relations, and improving trade between the two countries.
The Amu news outlet noted that the Tajik delegation comprises 14 officials, including representatives from security and intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other government institutions. Among them are the first deputy head of Tajikistan’s border troops, the MFA’s special envoy, the head of the Border Guard Directorate, a senior national security expert, the first deputy governor of GBAO, and other high-ranking security officials.
Although official details of the meetings have not been disclosed, Afghan media outlets suggest that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen political and security cooperation with the Taliban government.
No comments from Dushanbe
Tajik authorities have yet to comment on the visit. However, Afghanistan’s state-linked Bakhtar news agency described the delegation’s trip as a “shift in approach” toward the Taliban. The outlet claimed that discussions centered on future cooperation, joint initiatives, and regional affairs.
One reported topic was the status of the Afghan embassy in Dushanbe and the possibility of transferring its control to the Taliban administration.
Tajikistan remains the only Central Asian country that has publicly refused to recognize the Taliban regime. Still, the frequency of reported meetings between officials from both sides suggests Dushanbe’s policy toward the Taliban may be softening.
In recent months, several delegations have reportedly traveled between the two countries. Notably, a Tajik delegation led by Zarobiddin Faizullozoda, deputy governor of Khatlon Province, visited Kunduz for talks with Taliban officials.
Earlier, Taliban governor of Balkh province, Yusuf Wafa, reportedly visited Dushanbe, where he met with Saymumin Yatimov, chairman of Tajikistan’s State Committee for National Security (SCNS), and Saidmukarram Abduqodirzoda, head of the Ulema Council and the country’s top mufti. Wafa is considered the highest-ranking Taliban official to have visited Tajikistan since the group regained power.
There have also been unconfirmed reports that Saymumin Yatimov himself visited Kabul and met with Taliban representatives.
Tajik authorities have neither confirmed nor denied any of these meetings.
