KABUL: Per Albert Ilsaas, Norway’s chargé d'affaires for Afghanistan, met with Amir Khan Muttaqi, the acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate, to discuss key political, economic, and humanitarian matters.
According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the discussion focused on enhancing diplomatic engagement, strengthening international ties, combating drug trafficking, and addressing security concerns.
Muttaqi highlighted Afghanistan’s emerging opportunities and reiterated the Islamic Emirate’s commitment to fostering constructive relations with the global community based on mutual respect.
The ministry reported that the Norwegian diplomat acknowledged the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in tackling narcotics.
Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the ministry, stated that both sides emphasized the importance of continued engagement and expressed optimism about improving diplomatic ties.
However, challenges remain in Afghanistan-Norway relations. The Islamic Emirate does not recognize the legitimacy of certain Afghan diplomatic missions abroad, including in Norway. Meanwhile, Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has limited its engagement with Afghanistan’s interim government, citing restrictions on girls’ education and its non-recognition of the Islamic Emirate’s representatives.
Some political analysts believe that such diplomatic meetings should prioritize expanding relations and reopening Afghanistan’s embassy in Norway.
Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat, noted that if Norway strengthens engagement with Afghanistan, other European nations might also be encouraged to establish relations.
In a separate meeting with Din Mohammad Hanif, the acting minister of economy, the Norwegian diplomat acknowledged Afghanistan’s economic management over the past three years despite ongoing sanctions, frozen assets, and suspended development aid. He also reaffirmed Norway’s commitment to providing humanitarian assistance.
Ministry of Economy spokesperson Abdul Rahman Habib stated, "The Norwegian ambassador assured continued humanitarian support for Afghanistan. The Minister of Economy, in turn, appreciated Norway’s aid efforts and urged the international community and relief organizations to expand their focus on development assistance."
While several nations have increased diplomatic engagement with the Islamic Emirate over the past three years, no country has yet formally recognized it.
