Amir Khan Muttaqi, Foreign Minister of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, held a meeting with Indrika Ratwatte, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Afghanistan and Resident Humanitarian Coordinator, along with the acting head of UNAMA and the head of its political section.
Kabul 24: The discussions centered on mechanisms for interaction and coordination between the Islamic Emirate and United Nations agencies operating in the country.
Both sides reviewed ongoing humanitarian cooperation, operational coordination, and ways to strengthen practical engagement amid Afghanistan’s evolving needs.
According to the Afghan Foreign Ministry statement, Minister Muttaqi emphasized the importance of greater interaction between Afghanistan and the international community. He highlighted the need for expanded dialogue to facilitate effective humanitarian assistance and broader diplomatic ties.
Political analyst Miwand Jirgat Nuri commented on the meeting, noting that while the minister called for increased global engagement, the UN reiterated its commitment to interaction—but stressed that such matters ultimately depend on U.S. policy influence, as the organization often aligns with American positions.
Experts believe that bolstering these channels of communication between Kabul and international bodies could significantly improve the delivery of humanitarian services to vulnerable populations.
It would also elevate the Islamic Emirate’s diplomatic profile in regional and global arenas, potentially opening doors for more constructive multilateral involvement.Since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in 2021, relations with the United Nations—primarily through the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)—have remained a key pillar of its international engagements.
UNAMA continues its activities in political affairs, human rights monitoring, and humanitarian support, despite ongoing challenges related to recognition, sanctions, and operational constraints.The meeting also served as a farewell for Ratwatte, whose tenure as humanitarian coordinator is concluding.
Minister Muttaqi expressed appreciation for her contributions, particularly in coordinating aid efforts during a critical period for Afghanistan. UN officials reaffirmed their dedication to continued cooperation, underscoring the vital role of humanitarian work in supporting the Afghan people regardless of political differences.
This encounter reflects broader efforts to maintain functional ties amid complex geopolitical dynamics, including the Doha process and calls for pragmatic coordination on aid, development, and stability issues.
Strengthened UN-Islamic Emirate collaboration could help mitigate humanitarian crises while fostering incremental progress in Afghanistan’s international standing.
