ISIS shared concern for Afghanistan, Central Asian countries: Taliban FM
Kabul, June 16
Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi on Tuesday said that the threats posed by the regional affiliates of ISIS remain a shared concern for Afghan administration and the countries of Central Asia, local media reported.
"The threat of Daesh is a shared concern," Muttaqi said, speaking at a meeting of strategic studies centres and think tanks from Central Asia and Azerbaijan in Kabul, Amu TV reported.
He noted that the Taliban and regional government face common concerns in terms of security, including the threat from ISIS.
Muttaqi also highlighted that the Taliban remains ready to cooperate with the regional governments on security concerns, and measures had already been taken to counter the group.
"Concerns about ISIS-Khorasan, the Islamic State affiliate operating in Afghanistan, have remained a recurring issue in relations between the Taliban and regional governments. Central Asian countries have repeatedly warned about the potential threat posed by extremist groups based in Afghanistan, while seeking greater security cooperation with Kabul," Amu TV reported.
The continued presence of ISIS-Khorasan has been reported by the United Nations (UN). According to recent assessments of UN monitors, the group retains the capacity to recruit fighters. It warned that they can conduct attacks and maintain networks across the region and inside Afghanistan.
Alexander Bortnikov, head of Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB), recently echoed the same concerns by saying ISIS was actively recruiting in Afghanistan and poses a threat to regional security.
The Foreign Minister of the Taliban regime also emphasised the importance of regional cooperation beyond security matters at the Kabul forum.
He argued that trade, transportation, food supplies and energy markets were disrupted by the ongoing conflicts in the broader region.
He said that a great role could be played by the research institutions and policy centres by promoting regional convergence and providing practical solutions to shared challenges.
"The conference was organised by the Strategic Studies Centre of the Taliban's Foreign Ministry. Muttaqi said the event is part of a broader effort by the Taliban to strengthen ties with neighbouring countries and expand economic and transit cooperation despite its continued lack of international recognition," the report noted.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Interesting that they're reaching out to Central Asian countries but still haven't gotten recognition from the international community. I wonder if this is a genuine effort at counter-terrorism or just another way to gain legitimacy. The concern about ISIS-K is real, but the Taliban's own history with other groups can't be ignored.
As an Indian, I'm extremely wary. The Taliban government is still harboring elements that threaten our security. Let's not forget that their soil has been used against India. While ISIS is a common enemy, the Taliban's commitment to fighting all terrorist groups remains questionable. Cooperation with Central Asia is fine, but India must stay vigilant. 🚨
It's promising that they're talking about regional cooperation beyond just security. Trade, energy, food supplies – these are things that matter to ordinary people. But without international recognition and proper governance, how can the Taliban actually deliver on these promises? The skepticism is understandable.
Look, every country has a right to secure its borders from terrorism. If the Taliban is genuinely worried about ISIS-K, that's understandable. But as someone from a region that has suffered from cross-border terrorism, I hope the international community holds them accountable. Words are cheap – actions matter. Show us concrete steps, not just speeches at conferences. 🇮🇳
The irony isn't lost on me – the Taliban now positioning themselves as a bulwark against ISIS, when they themselves were once seen as the problem. The situation in Afghanistan is complex, and the threat from ISIS-K is
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