1st ever Afghan Taliban delegation arrives in Japan

ISTANBUL

Top officials from the interim Taliban administration have arrived in Japan, marking their first visit to Japan since their return to power in Afghanistan in August 2021.

Nippon Foundation, a Tokyo-based private non-profit organization that had invited the delegation, said that the purpose of their visit was to “seek insights” for future nation-building, Kyodo News reported on Monday.

The foundation said it wanted the Taliban officials "to be aware of the need to broadly accept humanitarian assistance for vulnerable people from the international community."

It did not disclose the details of the week-long schedule, citing "security reasons."

Latif Nazari, one of the Taliban delegation officials, said on X the interim administration seeks “dignified interaction with the world for a strong, united, advanced, prosperous, developed Afghanistan and to be an active member of the international community.”

Meanwhile, the Japanese government said that Toshihide Ando, the Foreign Ministry's representative for Afghanistan, will be meeting with the delegation.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi noted that although the visit is organized by a private group, it is "meaningful" as it supports the Japanese government's efforts to push for changes within the Taliban regime, particularly concerning human rights matters.

The Taliban returned to power after the foreign forces led by the US withdrew in 2021.

It rules under an interim administration, but no nation recognizes it.

Japan had temporarily relocated its diplomatic mission to the Qatari capital Doha after the return of the Taliban.

However, the Japanese diplomats held regular meetings with the Taliban officials and now operate its mission from Kabul.

Japan has provided aid to the interim administration worth millions of dollars.