KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban on Wednesday hailed China‘s new ambassador to Afghanistan with fanfare, saying his arrival is an indication for different nations to come back ahead and set up relations with them.

The Taliban seized energy in August 2021 as U.S. and NATO forces withdrew after 20 years of battle. Their leaders are underneath sanctions and no nation acknowledges them as Afghanistan’s respectable rulers. The nation’s seat on the United Nations continues to be held by the previous Western-backed authorities that was led by Ashraf Ghani.

Only a handful of countries have working diplomatic missions in Afghanistan, together with China, the world’s second-largest financial system. The two sides have been open about their need for nearer ties, particularly business ones.

Ambassador Zhao Sheng’s automobile swept by way of the tree-lined driveway of the Presidential Palace escorted by a police convoy. He was greeted by uniformed troops and met top-ranking Taliban officers, together with Mohammad Hassan Akhund, who heads the administration, and Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi.

It is the primary time because the Taliban takeover that an envoy to Kabul has been afforded such lavish protocol.

Muttaqi stated the 2 nations had particular ties and that Zhao’s nomination was a “significant step with a significant message.” He didn't elaborate additional.

PHOTOS: Taliban hail China's new ambassador with fanfare, say it is a signal for others to determine relations

The Taliban‘s chief spokesman, Zabihullah Mujahid, instructed The Associated Press that it's custom for brand new ambassadors to current their credentials to the pinnacle of the nation.

“It also signals to other countries to come forward and interact with the Islamic Emirate,” stated Mujahid. “We should establish good relations as a result of good interactions and, with good relations, we can solve all the problems that are in front of us or coming in the future.”

He didn't reply questions on what Zhao’s presence meant for the Taliban‘s demand for official recognition.

The worldwide neighborhood, cautious of the Taliban’s rule after they had been final in energy greater than 20 years in the past, has withheld official recognition and Afghanistan’s property overseas have been frozen.

A press release from China‘s embassy in Afghanistan issued Wednesday urged the worldwide neighborhood to keep up its dialogue and encourage the nation to place in place an inclusive political framework, undertake average insurance policies, fight terrorism and develop pleasant exterior relations.

It stated sure nations have to “draw lessons” from what occurred in Afghanistan, abandon double requirements on combating terrorism, return the nation’s abroad property, and carry sanctions.

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