Taliban Delegation Travels to Europe to Discuss Afghan Refugees, Humanitarian Aid, and Diplomatic Representation

Kokcha News Agency: A five-member Taliban delegation has embarked on a diplomatic mission to Europe, focusing on the status of Afghan refugees, humanitarian aid, and the future of Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation abroad.

The delegation, which includes Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesperson for the Taliban’s Foreign Ministry, has reportedly visited Austria, Switzerland, and Germany in the past month.

According to Radio Hurriyat, a media outlet close to the Taliban, the delegation met with Austrian officials from the Interior and Foreign Ministries to discuss Afghanistan’s diplomatic representation. Earlier, the group held similar talks in Switzerland and Germany.

The Taliban has not officially commented on these meetings, but Balkhi confirmed in late July that the group has been cooperating with the German government to facilitate the return of some Afghan refugees, with Qatar acting as a mediator.

Balkhi stated that these discussions will continue to ensure “transparent and standard consular services for Afghan residents in Germany.” In early August, the German Foreign Ministry confirmed to Afghanistan International that Taliban diplomats had entered the country and would begin their work after completing administrative procedures.

The ministry clarified that the acceptance of Taliban diplomats was aimed at addressing the consular needs of Afghans in Germany.

In late August, Swiss state television reported that four Taliban diplomats had traveled to Geneva to identify Afghans convicted of crimes.