UN, Taliban officials discuss development of interactions between Taliban and international community

KABUL: Rosemary DiCarlo, the UN Deputy Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, on Sunday met with Sirajuddin Haqqani, the Taliban’s Interior Minister, here in Kabul. According to a statement from the Taliban’s Ministry of Interior, discussions focused on the development of interactions between the Taliban and the international community, the fight against drugs, banking restrictions, and humanitarian aid. Sirajuddin Haqqani emphasized that “serious and practical measures” have been taken against the cultivation, production, and trafficking of drugs, leading to positive results. The ministry added that both parties discussed constructive engagement with the international community and building trust based on mutual respect. The UN delegation praised the security situation and progress in the fight against drugs while emphasizing the continuation of humanitarian assistance. It was also stated that the next meeting of the working groups of the Doha Process will be hosted by the Taliban in Kabul. Previously, the UN Deputy Secretary-General had also met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister. The UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) has not yet made an official statement regarding this visit.