Taliban makes historic visit to Japan
Shafaq News/ On Monday, a Taliban government delegation arrived in Japan in its first official visit, seeking international recognition following its return to power in August 2021, Afghan Deputy Minister of Economy Latif Nazari announced.
The delegation, comprising representatives from the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Economy, and Higher Education, departed Kabul on Saturday for a weeklong visit to meet with Japanese officials.
Nazari wrote on X, "We seek engagement with the world for a strong, united, and developed Afghanistan."
عازم جاپان هستیمهیات بلندپایه امارت اسلامی امروز عازم جاپان است. ما برای یک افغانستان قوی، متحد، پیشرفته، مرفه، توسعه یافته و عضو فعال جامعه بین المللی در پی تعامل عزت مندانه با جهان هستیم. pic.twitter.com/QBowjyPBXx
— Dr.latif nazari (@Drnazari18) February 15, 2025
Japanese broadcaster NHK, citing Afghan diplomatic sources, reported that the delegation will hold discussions with Japanese government officials. Japan's Foreign Ministry declined to comment when contacted by Agence France-Presse (AFP).
While the Taliban has previously sent envoys to Central Asia, Russia, and China, this is their first official engagement with Japan, in addition to limited diplomatic outreach in Europe, with visits to Norway in 2022 and 2023 for international summits.
Japan relocated its Kabul embassy to Qatar, where senior Afghan diplomats are now based. Meanwhile, the international community has resumed diplomatic and humanitarian activities in Afghanistan, one of the world's poorest nations, where 85% of the 45 million population live on less than a dollar a day, according to the United Nations.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
President Barzani stresses peace process importance to Bakirhan
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani underscored the need to revive and sustain the peace process in Turkiye during a phone call with Tuncer Bakırhan, co-chair of the Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP), marking Eid al-Adha. Bakırhan extended holiday greetings on behalf of himself and the HDP, wishing the people of Kurdistan continued progress and stability, according to a statement from Barzani's office. He also praised Barzani's longstanding support for the peace process, urging him to maintain his influential role in guiding efforts toward a lasting resolution. Barzani thanked Bakırhan for the call and emphasized the urgency of not missing this opportunity, calling on all sides to work collectively to ensure the process moves forward.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
Tehran warns E3 ahead of IAEA vote
Shafaq News/ On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned European powers of a severe response if they pursue what he called a 'major strategic mistake' at next week's IAEA Board of Governors meeting. In a post on X, Araghchi accused Germany, France, and the UK of 'opting a malign action against Iran' instead of engaging in good faith. 'Mark my words,' he wrote, adding that 'As Europe ponders another major strategic mistake, Iran will react strongly to any violation of its rights.' After years of good cooperation with the IAEA—resulting in a resolution which shut down malign claims of a "possible military dimension" (PMD) to Iran's peaceful nuclear program—my country is once again accused of "non-compliance". Instead of engaging in good faith, the E3 is… — Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) June 6, 2025 Western powers, including the US and the European trio, plan to submit a resolution accusing Tehran of failing to meet its nuclear obligations, based on a recent IAEA report. Multiple diplomatic sources say the motion could lead to referring Iran's case to the United Nations.
Shafaq News
an hour ago
- Shafaq News
600 MW added: Turkish power line officially activated
Shafaq News/ The Turkish-Iraqi power line became officially operational on Friday, supplying 600 megawatts to northern Iraq to ease pressure on the national grid amid peak summer demand. According to a source in the Northern Electricity Directorate, the line is now supplying electricity to Nineveh, Kirkuk, Saladin, and parts of Diyala, based on load plans set by the Ministry of Electricity. The source described the activation as a 'notable advancement in Iraq's energy import strategy, expected to alleviate strain on the local network.' Economic expert Abbas Hammadi welcomed the move but urged broader reforms. While the new line provides 'immediate support,' he stressed the importance of boosting domestic production and reducing dependency on imports. 'Stable electricity is essential for economic growth, attracting investment, and easing hardship for citizens,' he said. Hammadi also called for investments in grid infrastructure upgrades and renewable energy to secure long-term sustainability. The Turkish power link is considered a strategic project that the Ministry of Electricity has worked on for years to diversify energy sources and enhance supply stability.
