KABUL, AFGHANISTAN – United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo met Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi in Kabul on Saturday to discuss the UN-led Doha process, the Taliban Foreign Ministry said.
In a statement, the ministry said the two sides held extensive talks on engagement and coordination between the United Nations and the Taliban, as well as Doha process meetings.
According to the statement, Muttaqi presented details on the Taliban’s political actions, security measures and refugee management. He urged the UN to assist in lifting banking sanctions on Afghanistan and facilitating the release of frozen assets belonging to the country’s central bank.
The statement said DiCarlo stressed continued cooperation through the Doha process working groups, describing sustained dialogue as beneficial for all stakeholders involved in Afghanistan’s future. The UN has established technical working groups on counter-narcotics and the private sector and has indicated plans to convene a fourth Doha meeting.
DiCarlo also called for cooperation in delivering humanitarian assistance, stressing that continued aid is essential for the people of Afghanistan amid worsening humanitarian crisis.
The visit marks DiCarlo’s second trip to Afghanistan since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021. Her previous visit in May 2024 included meetings with Taliban officials, diplomats, and Afghan civil society representatives.
The visit comes as the Taliban administration remains unrecognized by most countries, with many senior leaders subject to United Nations sanctions and travel restrictions. UN efforts to promote inclusive dialogue involving Taliban authorities, regional actors, women, civil society groups, and political opponents continue to face significant challenges.
