Uzbekistan and Taliban Government Forge Diplomatic Ties

Uzbekistan has officially recognized the Taliban government in Afghanistan by accepting the appointment of its ambassador, Abdul Ghafar Bahar. This significant development, announced by the Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday, marks a new chapter in diplomatic relations between the two nations.

With this move, Uzbekistan joins the ranks of China and the United Arab Emirates, both of which had previously established diplomatic connections with the Taliban regime following its takeover in August 2021.

Bahar, who has previously held judicial positions in Kandahar and Kabul, was welcomed in a formal ceremony where his credentials were accepted. Speaking on this occasion, he remarked, “This is an important milestone for our bilateral relations, and I look forward to further strengthening our ties.”

In a statement on social media, Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saydov emphasized the shared history and mutual interests between Uzbekistan and Afghanistan. He noted that these factors are key to fostering cooperative relations and driving development across various sectors.