Taliban Foreign Minister Muttaqi: Minor Issues Should Not Hinder Talks with Pakistan

KABUL (Afghan Verified) — Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi met with Saudi Ambassador to Afghanistan Faisal Talq Al-Baqmi in Kabul and stated that interpretations and minor technical issues should not obstruct progress in recent talks with Pakistan held in Urumqi.

A Taliban Foreign Ministry statement said the meeting discussed regional developments, including the Urumqi talks, as well as bilateral relations between Afghanistan and Saudi Arabia and the regional political and security situation. Both sides emphasized the importance of strengthening ties.

Muttaqi referred to talks between Taliban and Pakistani officials in the Chinese city of Urumqi in early April, mediated by China, which ended without results. Pakistani officials had previously stated that one of their demands was for the Taliban to recognize the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) as a terrorist group.

The Saudi ambassador said political stability, security and economic progress in Afghanistan are important priorities for Riyadh. He added that Saudi Arabia supports Afghanistan and seeks to expand bilateral relations.