2024-02-18 15:57:08
Islamabad: Now another friendly country has thwarted the wishes of Pakistan Army Chief General Asim Munir. After China, now Azerbaijan has also made friendship with Taliban and appointed its full-time ambassador to Kabul. Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Afghanistan Ilham Mammadov has held a formal meeting with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki and handed him a letter from his Foreign Ministry. In this letter, Azerbaijan has said that it is opening its embassy in Kabul. Earlier, Chinese President Xi Jinping had accepted the appointment of Taliban ambassador. The action of both these countries has dealt a severe blow to Pakistan which was trying to blackmail the Taliban.
There have been talks on strengthening relations between Taliban and Azerbaijan. The Taliban has described the opening of Azerbaijan’s embassy and appointment of an ambassador as a major achievement and a sign of friendship between the two countries. The Taliban said it would provide all possible assistance to Azerbaijan in opening the embassy. Muttaki said that the Lapis Lazuli route is very important for Afghanistan and it can easily connect Afghanistan to Europe. Now Taliban also wants to post its ambassador in Azerbaijan.
Pakistani move on Taliban failed
Azerbaijan said it respects Afghanistan’s sovereignty and independence. Also does not want to interfere in the internal affairs of Afghanistan. Ambassador Ilham Mammadov said that this is the first time in history that Azerbaijan has opened an embassy in Kabul. Let us tell you that no country has yet formally recognized the Taliban government. Pakistan is trying to take advantage of this to put pressure on Taliban to take action against TTP terrorists. Defense relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan have been very strong. Türkiye is a friend of both of them.
At the same time, Taliban has made it clear that Pakistan cannot blackmail it. Last month, China openly sided with the Taliban, which claims to be a friend of Pakistan. By accepting the ambassador appointed by the Taliban, China gave a clear signal that in a way it is recognizing the Taliban government. Also, it will not come under pressure from Pakistan while making changes in policy towards Taliban. This is being considered a big blow for Pakistan which is putting pressure on Taliban regarding TTP terrorists. Earlier, Pakistan had decided along with other neighboring countries including China that the decision on recognizing Taliban would be taken together. China unilaterally accepted the Taliban ambassador without informing Pakistan. This greatly displeased Pakistan and China even sent its ambassador to pacify it.