UAE Accepts Taliban-Appointed Diplomat as Afghanistan Ambassador

The UAE has accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed diplomat as Afghanistan's ambassador, becoming the second country after China to do so. This move appears to reaffirm the UAE's commitment to aid Afghanistan through development and reconstruction projects. The recognition stirs international diplomatic discussions.

The United Arab Emirates has officially accepted the credentials of a Taliban-appointed diplomat as the ambassador of Afghanistan, marking the Gulf state as the second country after China to acknowledge a Taliban envoy at this level.

Taliban diplomats have overseen Afghanistan's embassy in Abu Dhabi and its consulate in Dubai for over a year, though this had been without formal recognition until now. An official from the UAE told Reuters that the acceptance of 'the credentials of the Ambassador of Afghanistan' underscores the Gulf state's dedication to fostering ties and aiding Afghan development and reconstruction.

The official did not specify whether this acceptance amounted to formal recognition of the Taliban government. So far, no other government besides Beijing has formally accepted the Taliban administration. However, Taliban diplomats are active in several other countries, including Pakistan. Mawlawi Badreddin Haqqani has been nominated as the Taliban's ambassador and presented his credentials to the UAE's foreign ministry.

The UAE's move is seen amid economic ties with the Taliban, highlighted by UAE contracts to operate Kabul airport since 2022. Discussions on the formal recognition of the Taliban continue, as Western nations, including the U.S., condition it on changes in women's rights policies and reopening educational institutions for females in Afghanistan.

(With inputs from agencies.)