Norwegian Chargé d’Affaires Discusses Diplomatic Relations in Kabul
Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of the Islamic Emirate, met with Per Albert Ilsaas, the Norwegian chargé d’affaires for Afghanistan, on Monday to discuss political, economic, and humanitarian issues.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, key topics of discussion included positive engagement with countries, the expansion of diplomatic relations, the fight against narcotics, and the security situation. Muttaqi emphasized the opportunities emerging in Afghanistan and stated that the Islamic Emirate welcomes positive engagement with the international community based on mutual respect.
The Norwegian diplomat praised the Islamic Emirate’s efforts in combating narcotics, the ministry said.
Zia Ahmad Takal, head of public relations at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided further details on the meeting: “At the end of the session, the need for positive engagement was discussed, and both sides expressed hope for strengthening diplomatic relations.”
The Islamic Emirate deems the consular services of some Afghan diplomatic missions, including the one in Norway, as invalid. And Norway’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that due to restrictions on girls’ education in Afghanistan, it has reduced its engagement with the interim government and does not recognize the Islamic Emirate’s representative.
Some political analysts believe that the Islamic Emirate should focus on expanding diplomatic ties and reopening Afghanistan’s embassy in Norway during such meetings.
“Efforts should be made to rebuild political and economic relations and open a path to improve ties between the Islamic Emirate and Norway,” Mohammad Edris Zazai, a political analyst, told .
“If diplomatic relations and engagement with Norway take place, other European countries may also be encouraged to establish ties with Afghanistan,” said Aziz Maarej, a former diplomat.
In a separate meeting with Din Mohammad Hanif, the acting minister of economy, the Norwegian diplomat described Afghanistan’s economic management over the past three years—despite ongoing economic sanctions, frozen assets, and halted development aid—as a significant achievement of the Islamic Emirate, according to the ministry. He also assured continued humanitarian assistance from Norway to the Afghan people, the ministry said.
Abdul Rahman Habib, spokesperson for the Ministry of Economy, stated: “During the meeting, the Norwegian ambassador reassured continued humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. The Minister of Economy, while appreciating Norway’s humanitarian aid to vulnerable individuals and areas, called for greater focus from the international community and aid organizations on expanding development assistance.”
Over the past three years, several countries have expanded their diplomatic relations with the Islamic Emirate, but no country has yet officially recognized it.
