Taliban delegation to make first-ever visit to Japan

A high-level delegation from the Taliban government in Afghanistan is expected to visit Japan in the first diplomatic trip of its kind.

The delegation will include Deputy Economy Minister Abdul Latif Nazari, who has expressed the Taliban’s desire for dignified engagement with the world to foster a strong, united and prosperous Afghanistan.

In a statement posted on X late on Saturday, Nazari said he hopes that Afghanistan can become an active member of the international community.

This marks the first visit to Japan by a senior Taliban delegation since the group returned to power in 2021.

No country, including Japan, has yet recognised the Taliban government.

According to Japanese media sources, the Nippon Foundation, a Tokyo-based public interest group, invited the delegation to the country.

While details of the schedule remain unclear, the Taliban officials are expected to meet with Japanese government representatives, probably to discuss potential support for Afghanistan’s struggling economy.

The Taliban government is criticised for its policies towards Afghan women and girls.

Since returning to power, it has banned Afghan girls from studying beyond primary school.

The authorities originally said the ban was a “temporary suspension,” but no changes have been made.

The group denies imposing a complete ban on women’s activities and says that nearly 9000 work permits have been issued to women.