The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Amir Khan Muttaqi and his accompanying delegation held a meeting with the US special envoy for Afghanistan, Thomas West, and the minister asked Washington to interact in a way that does not use pressure tactics.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, Foreign Ministry spokesman, tweeted that both sides discussed a range of topics including the improvement of relations between the two countries, and the political situation.
“Thomas West in the meeting said that US wants interaction with the Islamic Emirate and stability in Afghanistan. According to him, US does not support any group against the current government,” Balkhi said.
In the meantime, acting Minister Muttaqi in meeting with Hugo Shorter, Chargé d’Affaires of the UK Mission to Afghanistan, discussed humanitarian aid, education and other issues.
“UK does not support political objectives through violence, adding that they would take pragmatic approach towards bilateral relations step-by-step. FM Muttaqi thanked Britain for its humanitarian aid, stressing the need to focus on infrastructural projects for the well-being & development of the Afghan people,” Balkhi tweeted.
Hugo Shorter tweeted after the meeting with Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi that they discussed the formation of an inclusive government and the reopening of girls’ schools above the sixth grade.
“Substantive meeting this evening w/ Maulvi Mohammad Khan Muttaqi, on UK humanitarian support incl. for earthquake response, basic services & livelihoods, & the importance of political inclusivity & respect for human rights incl. all girls’ right to education,” tweeted Hugo Shorter.
The delegation of the Islamic Emirate led by acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi traveled to Qatar, Doha on Wednesday.
Some political analysts consider the interaction between Kabul and Washington beneficial for Afghanistan.
“The meeting between Muttaqi and the US envoy Thomas West is a positive step. But as long as there is no progress on those demands which the international community has made on the Islamic Emirate such as women’s work and education, inclusive government, human rights, domestic legitimacy, and rights of ethnic minorities, recognition of the Islamic Emirate is going to be difficult and impossible,” said Sayed Haroon Hashemi, political analyst.—Tolonews
