Foreign Minister Emphasizes Sports Diplomacy to Expand Global Ties at Kabul Wrestling Festival

Foreign Minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi met with international delegates and athletes in Kabul on Saturday, underscoring the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s commitment to expanding diplomatic relations through sports. The meeting took place on the sidelines of an international traditional wrestling festival hosted by the country.

During the gathering, Muttaqi stated that the government views sports diplomacy as a vital channel for strengthening ties with the international community and highlighting the region’s shared cultural heritage. He noted that authorities are actively working to streamline visa procedures and provide logistical support to facilitate the participation of foreign competitors in upcoming sporting events.

The festival brought together approximately 60 foreign athletes and 100 domestic competitors from Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Iran, and Turkey. Officials highlighted the event as a demonstration of the country’s growing capacity to host international competitions and promote traditional sports.

Representatives from the participating nations commended the organization of the tournament and the performance of Afghan athletes. They expressed interest in maintaining regional sports cooperation and expanding future exchanges. Muttaqi reiterated that such initiatives align with broader efforts to foster mutual understanding and constructive engagement with neighboring states and the wider international community.

The foreign minister’s remarks reflect a continued emphasis on cultural and athletic exchanges as a means of diplomatic outreach, with officials indicating that similar events will be prioritized in the coming months.