The Taliban government’s Minister of Interior, Sirajuddin Haqqani, and the head of its intelligence agency, Abdul Haq Wasiq, have been seen in images in the city of Mecca, Saudi Arabia, meeting with their Syrian counterparts.
In the published images, Sirajuddin Haqqani and Abdul Haq Wasiq are seen meeting with Syria’s Interior Minister Anas Khattab and Syria’s intelligence chief, General Hussein al-Salameh. Reports indicate that these meetings took place on the sidelines of the Hajj pilgrimage.
On the other hand, Syria’s Interior Minister Anas Khattab also met with Saudi Arabia’s Interior Minister and head of the Supreme Hajj Committee, Prince Abdulaziz bin Saud bin Naif bin Abdulaziz. The news of this meeting was published by official Saudi media outlets.
However, the Taliban Ministry of Interior has not officially confirmed whether Sirajuddin Haqqani held a separate meeting with Saudi officials. Likewise, details of the Taliban intelligence chief’s meeting with Syrian officials have not yet been clarified.
Saudi Arabia maintains close relations with the new Syrian government, while its relations with the Taliban are described as relatively cautious, although it has kept its embassy in Kabul operational.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
