Oybek Usmanov and Amir Khan Muttaqi. Photo: pajhwok.com
The new Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Afghanistan, Oybek Usmanov, presented his credentials to the head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the Taliban* government, Amir Khan Muttaqi, thus officially assuming his duties. This is reported by Amu.tv, citing Afghanistan's foreign diplomatic agency.
During the meeting, Muttaqi assured the ambassador of continued cooperation between the neighboring states, urging Uzbekistan to take effective steps to implement major economic projects in Afghanistan.
Usmanov, in turn, promised to work on strengthening bilateral relations and developing partnership.
It is noted that since the Taliban came to power in 2021, Uzbekistan has maintained close ties with its neighbors. However, the republic has not officially recognized the government of the radical movement. In fact, at the moment, no country in the world has taken such a step. The international community sets conditions for the new administration of Afghanistan, such as severing ties with extremist groups, forming an inclusive government, respecting human rights, especially women's rights.
Nevertheless, a diplomatic mission of Taliban Afghanistan operates in Tashkent. In August of this year, the Taliban appointed a new ambassador to Uzbekistan, ethnic Uzbek Abdul Ghafar Tirawi.
Regarding embassies of other states in Kabul, China was the first to open its mission under Taliban rule. This happened in September 2023.
