Yerkin Tukumov, Special Representative of the President of Kazakhstan for Afghanistan, stated that the removal of the Taliban from the list of terrorist organizations does not amount to recognition of the Taliban administration. He emphasized that Kazakhstan continues to pursue a policy of “engagement without formal recognition.”
According to Kazinform, the senior official said that Kazakhstan acts in accordance with United Nations Security Council decisions on Afghanistan and maintains a position aligned with international frameworks.
Referring to Afghanistan’s complex economic and social situation, the senior diplomat added that experience from recent years has shown that any economic, humanitarian, or institutional vacuum can pave the way for broader crises in the country.
He also stressed that assistance to Afghanistan can play an important role in ensuring regional security and preventing the spread of cross-border threats.
According to him, integrating Afghanistan into lawful economic processes is the only effective way to combat drug trafficking, illegal migration, and terrorist threats in the region.
Kazakhstan removed the Taliban from its list of terrorist organizations in 2024, while continuing its political and economic relations with the group within a defined framework.
Meanwhile, Serik Zhumangarin, Deputy Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, during his recent visit to Kabul, met with several officials of the Taliban administration, including Mohammad Hassan Akhund, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and Nooruddin Azizi, and held discussions on various issues.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
