Acting Afghanistan’s Foreign Affairs Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Oman, urging the release of Afghan prisoners and enhanced bilateral cooperation. He discussed direct flights, trade, and religious collaboration while seeking Omani support for mosque reconstruction. Meanwhile, Iran expressed commitment to aiding Afghanistan’s energy and water projects, while concerns regarding women’s rights under the Islamic Emirate were raised at the UN. India rejected Pakistan’s terrorism allegations, calling for introspection instead.
During his visit to Oman, Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs, has implored the Omani government to decrease the prison terms and release Afghan prisoners. This call reflects an effort to strengthen ties and humanitarian cooperation between Afghanistan and Oman, as outlined in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Muttaqi engaged with numerous Omani officials, including the Minister of the Royal Office and those from the Chamber of Commerce and Investment, discussing various matters of mutual interest. Among his requests was the initiation of direct flights between the two nations and improved consular services for Afghans living in Oman.
The Minister highlighted the potential for increased trade between Afghanistan and Oman. In addition, he emphasized the importance of sharing experiences related to religious affairs, particularly concerning mosques and pilgrimage activities, while seeking Omani support for the reconstruction of mosques in Afghanistan.
In related news, Ali Reza Bikdeli, the acting ambassador of Iran in Kabul, affirmed Iran’s commitment to collaborating with Afghanistan on water and energy projects. This was discussed during a meeting with Abdul Latif Mansour, the acting minister of Energy and Water, where both parties focused on expanding bilateral cooperation.
Further, discussions addressed significant challenges such as water shortages and droughts affecting Afghanistan, and the Islamic Emirate expressed a welcoming stance toward economic partnerships with neighboring states. Members of Afghanistan’s private sector echoed the sentiment, indicating the potential for strengthened economic relations with Iran.
On a different front, a representative from Greece, during a United Nations meeting, pointed out the ongoing gender discrimination by the Islamic Emirate in Afghanistan. He argued that any interactions with the Emirate should explicitly account for the detrimental impact on women’s rights, stressing the urgency of addressing systematic rights violations.
Isabelle Rome, France’s Ambassador for Human Rights, supported this claim, stating that denying women’s rights undermines fundamental human rights. Moreover, four countries, including Australia and Canada, are exploring legal actions against the Islamic Emirate at the International Court of Justice over women’s rights violations. The Islamic Emirate defended its position, arguing that women’s rights, as per Sharia, are maintained and urged other nations to respect Afghanistan’s internal affairs.
In another development, India firmly rejected Pakistan’s allegations of terrorism support, emphasizing Pakistan should look into its own internal issues. This response came after a militant attack attributed to the Balochistan Liberation Army resulted in numerous casualties. The spokesperson for India’s Foreign Ministry reiterated the global consensus on terrorism’s epicenter, urging Pakistan to not shift blame.
In summary, the diplomatic engagement between Afghanistan and Oman reflects a significant effort to address humanitarian issues, particularly regarding Afghan prisoners. Simultaneously, ongoing discussions between Afghanistan and Iran indicate a collaborative approach to water and energy projects, crucial for the region’s stability. The international community continues to scrutinize the Islamic Emirate’s treatment of women, while diplomatic tensions between India and Pakistan reveal ongoing regional challenges that need resolution.
Original Source: www.ariananews.af
