Cloud over invitation sent to China
The Chinese foreign ministry on Monday did not respond to media reports claiming that the Taliban regime has invited China, Pakistan, Russia, Turkey, Iran and Qatar to attend the new government’s formation ceremony in Afghanistan.
China, which has kept its embassy open in Kabul along with Pakistan and Russia, is awaiting the announcement of a government by the Taliban before deciding on recognising it. The US, the UK and other western countries say they are not in a hurry to endorse a new administration.
Asked about reports that claim Afghanistan’s new rulers have invited China and five other countries to participate in the government formation ceremony, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said, “I have no information to offer at this moment.”
He reiterated that China supports “Afghanistan forming an open, inclusive, broad-based government upholding moderate and prudent domestic and foreign policies, and living on good terms with neighbouring countries”.
On Saturday, Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi had a call with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir-abdollahian during which he said new government in Kabul should be open and inclusive.
Taliban confirm meeting of ISI chief and Baradar
The Taliban on Monday confirmed that Pakistan’s intelligence chief Faiz Hameed had met its leader Abdul Ghani Baradar amid efforts by the group to finalise the government.
Inter-services Intelligence (ISI) director Hameed went to Kabul on an unannounced visit last week, becoming the only high-ranking foreign official to visit the Afghan capital since the transition of power.
During a press conference in Kabul on Monday, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid confirmed that the ISI chief had met with Baradar in Kabul, BBC Urdu reported.
The Taliban have assured Islamabad that Afghan territory will not be used against Pakistan, the report said.
On Sunday, the Taliban group had said that the top Pakistani spy was in Afghanistan to improve bilateral relations between Kabul and Islamabad.