Taliban Ambassador Thanks Turkey for 'Balanced Policy' in Moscow Meeting

The ambassadors of the Taliban and Turkey held a meeting in Moscow. According to a statement from the Taliban embassy in Moscow posted on X, Gul Hassan, the Taliban ambassador, met with Tanju Bilgiç, the Turkish ambassador to Russia, for an introductory discussion.

The two envoys discussed ways to expand bilateral political, economic, and cultural relations between Taliban-controlled Afghanistan and Turkey. During the meeting, the Taliban ambassador expressed gratitude to Turkey for maintaining a "balanced policy" toward the Taliban.

Turkey maintained very close relations with the previous Afghan government. Following the Taliban's return to power, Turkey has not recognized the group but has continued practical and diplomatic engagement with it.

Nasir Ahmad Faqih, head of the Afghan representation, shared the statement on his X account. The body text also references an unrelated statement from the Afghan mission at the United Nations welcoming a resolution condemning terrorism, including threats from ISIS, al-Qaeda, and affiliated groups. It emphasized that Afghan soil should not be used to threaten or attack any country, called for unimpeded humanitarian access, meaningful participation of female aid workers, and respect for human rights, particularly for women, girls, ethnic, and religious minorities.

Other segments in the source mention claims by Amrullah Saleh alleging covert U.S. cash transfers to the Taliban via a company called Sky Guard, U.S. official denials, confirmed periodic dollar shipments, an Uzbek official's meeting with a Taliban deputy minister on railway projects including the Trans-Afghan corridor, and a Taliban order from Hibatullah Akhundzada to restore Persian and Uzbek languages on university signs in Samangan and Jowzjan provinces after prior removals. These appear as additional, unconnected reports within the provided source material.