Afghanistan’s Taliban-led foreign ministry announced the appointment of its first accredited ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), marking the second country, after China, to accept an envoy at this level.
The UAE’s foreign ministry has not yet commented on the appointment.
The Taliban government remains unrecognized by any foreign capital, with Beijing being the only one to officially accept an ambassador’s credentials. However, the Taliban have appointed envoys as “charge d’affaires” to several countries, including neighboring Pakistan.
On Wednesday, the Taliban’s foreign ministry stated that Mawlawi Badreddin Haqqani had been named ambassador and had presented his credentials to the UAE’s assistant undersecretary for protocol affairs. The ministry added that Haqqani would formally present his credentials to the Emir of the UAE in an official ceremony soon.
The Taliban maintain economic ties with the UAE, which secured contracts to operate Kabul airport in 2022. In June, Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani met with UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan in Abu Dhabi.
The Taliban took control of Kabul on August 15, 2021, as Afghan security forces collapsed and U.S.-backed President Ashraf Ghani fled the country.
Although China and the UAE have not formally recognized the Taliban administration, accepting an ambassador is seen by diplomats and analysts as a potential step toward upgraded ties in the complex landscape of international diplomacy.
Western nations, including Washington, have stated that formal recognition of the Taliban government will remain on hold until they address concerns over women’s rights and reopen educational institutions for girls and women.
The Taliban assert that they respect rights based on their interpretation of Islamic law and claim that economic sanctions and lack of recognition are hindering their economy.
