Senior Afghan Taliban officials in Japan for talks
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Japanese officials confirm senior Taliban officials are in Japan for talks on political inclusivity and human rights in Afghanistan.
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Abdul Latif Nazari, Afghani deputy minister of economy, undated (Social media)
Japanese officials confirmed that senior Afghan Taliban representatives are in Japan for talks aimed at promoting a more inclusive political system in Afghanistan and safeguarding human rights, according to reports on Tuesday.
This marks the Taliban's first known diplomatic visit outside Central Asia and the Middle East since they took control of Afghanistan in 2021.
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi stated on Monday that the delegation was invited by the Nippon Foundation and is also expected to meet with Japanese Foreign Ministry officials.
The Nippon Foundation stated that the visit seeks to expand the Taliban's outlook on nation-building and promote acceptance of humanitarian aid for vulnerable groups but did not reveal details about the delegation or their itinerary.
It is worth noting that Japan does not formally recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan's legitimate government. While the visit was initiated by a private entity, Hayashi noted that it aligns with Japan’s broader diplomatic efforts to urge the Taliban to implement policies that "uphold human rights."
According to the report, a key obstacle to the Taliban gaining international recognition remains their restrictions on women and girls.
Taliban Deputy Economy Minister Abdul Latif Nazari first revealed the visit on social media, announcing that a high-level delegation was traveling to Japan, highlighting the group's aim for international engagement.
In a similar context, earlier this month, the Taliban expressed readiness for rapprochement with Donald Trump's administration but have maintained ownership of the military equipment and vehicles that American and NATO personnel have abandoned.
Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the Taliban's Foreign Ministry spokesman, told CBS News on February 7 that the ruling group was ready to begin a new diplomatic chapter of interaction with the US.
"We would like to close the chapter of warfare and open a new chapter," Balkhi divulged.
When asked if the repatriation of military gear is absolutely out of the question, the Taliban spokesperson responded, "These are the assets of the state of Afghanistan. They will continue to be in the possession of the state of Afghanistan."
