Kabul / Damascus – Khalifa Sirajuddin Haqqani, the de facto Minister of Interior of the Taliban-led Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, and Asaad al-Shaibani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Syrian Arab Republic, held a telephone conversation to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments.
While the discussion included formal greetings and commitments to diplomatic engagement, the call underscored growing regional concerns over the Taliban’s policies in Afghanistan. Officials highlighted the destabilizing impact of Taliban rule, including the regime’s support for extremist groups, disregard for human rights, and ongoing cross-border security threats affecting neighboring countries.
The Syrian minister expressed concern over Afghanistan becoming a base for militants under Taliban protection, warning that such actions undermine regional stability and complicate diplomatic efforts. Both parties emphasized the need for dialogue and the use of formal diplomatic channels, implicitly signaling criticism of Taliban governance and its failure to ensure security and accountability.
Analysts note that the conversation reflects a broader unease in the region regarding the Taliban’s actions, which have heightened tensions with Pakistan and other neighboring states. While the exchange was described as cordial, it sent a clear message that Afghanistan’s current leadership is viewed internationally as a source of instability and risk, rather than a constructive regional partner.
The call also reiterated the importance of continued monitoring, regional cooperation, and restraint, stressing that only adherence to international norms and responsible governance can reduce tensions and prevent further escalation.
This interaction illustrates how the Taliban’s policies continue to attract scrutiny from regional actors concerned about the security and humanitarian consequences of the regime’s approach.
