INTERNATIONAL — June 16, 2026
Taliban Foreign Minister Emphasizes Research Cooperation at Kabul Meeting with Central Asian Representatives
Amir Khan Muttaqi described scientific and research cooperation as the most sustainable form of diplomacy while highlighting infrastructure projects such as CASA-1000 and TAPI along with shared challenges including climate change and water scarcity.
The Ehtebar Desk — originates with Bakhtar News — corroborated by Afghanistan International — 2 min read
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi opened a meeting of regional research centers in Kabul hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' Strategic Studies Center. Representatives from Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan took part in the gathering.
Muttaqi stated that scientific and research cooperation is the most sustainable, cost-effective and effective form of diplomacy among nations. He described relations with Central Asian countries as pragmatic and called for joint work on shared challenges including climate change, water scarcity, air pollution, wars and regional tensions.
The minister said Afghanistan serves as a natural bridge between Central and South Asia. He pointed to the need for strengthened cooperation on connectivity projects such as CASA-1000, TAPI, TAP, the Lapis Lazuli Corridor and the Afghan-Turan railway.
Muttaqi also described an agreement between Iran and the United States as a positive step and said war does not benefit any country in the region.
Read the original reporting at Bakhtar News →
Reliability assessment
Two independent sources corroborate the core event (meeting held in Kabul with named participants) and on-record statements by named official Amir Khan Muttaqi; direct attribution makes the reported speeches verifiable regardless of differing secondary details
The source language reads straight.
Independent web corroboration
An independent web search turned up no separate corroborating reports. Treat the account as single-sourced until more outlets pick it up.
Across the newsrooms
Where reports agree
- A meeting of regional research centers was held in Kabul hosted by the Taliban MFA with participation from Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan
- Amir Khan Muttaqi delivered opening remarks stressing scientific/research cooperation, regional connectivity, and specific infrastructure projects
- Relations between Afghanistan and Central Asian countries (including Azerbaijan) are described as pragmatic and cooperation-oriented
Where reports differ
- Afghanistan International notes non-recognition of Taliban by Central Asian states and cooling ties with Pakistan; Bakhtar News does not mention these
- Bakhtar News reports Muttaqi commenting positively on an Iran-US agreement; Afghanistan International does not include this statement
Filed by 2 outlets
Bakhtar News
Originating
Reported straight
Reported straight
Afghanistan International
Reported straight
Reported straight
Filed under
International — Taliban, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Central Asia, Regional Cooperation, Kabul
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