A Taliban delegation in Japan arrived on Sunday for a rare diplomatic visit, marking its first official trip to the country. The group that governs Afghanistan comprises officials from foreign affairs, education, economy, and health ministries.
They plan to stay for a week and meet with Japanese government representatives. Officials in Tokyo confirmed that the delegation aims to secure humanitarian aid and explore potential diplomatic relations with Japan.
Latif Nazari, a deputy minister in Afghanistan’s economy ministry, described the visit as part of the Taliban’s international engagement efforts. He stated that the group seeks to establish dignified interactions with the world and integrate Afghanistan into the global community.
These meetings will likely focus on humanitarian relief and Japan’s ongoing role in Afghanistan’s rebuilding efforts. Unlike previous Taliban diplomatic visits to China, Russia, and Central Asia, this trip extends beyond the region.
The group previously traveled to Norway for diplomatic summits in 2022 and 2023 but has otherwise remained within its regional sphere. Japan’s embassy in Kabul, which temporarily relocated to Qatar after the Taliban takeover in 2021, has since reopened.
Japanese officials resumed humanitarian and diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan despite ongoing instability. The Taliban’s visit coincides with a surge in violence within Afghanistan, including a recent suicide bombing outside the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing in Kabul.
ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack, which left multiple casualties. The Japanese embassy in Kabul condemned the violence, urging an immediate end to terror attacks. As the Taliban delegation in Japan continues discussions, diplomatic experts will monitor whether the visit will result in increased humanitarian aid or formalized diplomatic ties.
