UAE Accepts Credentials of Taliban Ambassador in Major Diplomatic Shift

The United Arab Emirates accepted the credentials of the Taliban's ambassador, Badruddin Haqqani, marking the biggest diplomatic success for Afghanistan's rulers since sending an ambassador to China. This move highlights the international divide on recognizing the Taliban, who pursue ties with regional powers despite Western isolation.

The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday accepted the credentials of the Taliban's ambassador, Badruddin Haqqani, marking a significant diplomatic victory for Afghanistan's rulers since they sent an ambassador to China. This action underscores the global split on dealing with the Taliban, who are not officially acknowledged as Afghanistan's legitimate government.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kabul confirmed Haqqani's appointment on social media platform X but did not provide additional information about him, other than his prior role as the Taliban's envoy to the UAE.

Haqqani is unrelated to Acting Interior Minister Sirajuddin Haqqani, a global terrorist wanted by the US for deadly attacks. Sirajuddin leads the influential Haqqani network.

Despite their isolation from the West, the Taliban are forging bilateral relationships with major regional powers. Recently, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov visited Afghanistan, marking the highest-level visit by a foreign official since the Taliban's return to power three years ago.

The UN states that international recognition of the Taliban is "nearly impossible" as long as restrictions on women and girls remain in place.

(With inputs from agencies.)