Five years after returning to power, Afghanistan's Taliban authorities have built working relationships with a slate of countries, despite a lack of formal recognition. Russia remains the only nation to officially recognise the Taliban government, and many Western countries have demanded to see domestic reforms on human rights before considering doing the same. Read moreFour years after the fall of Kabul, Taliban succeeds in near-total exclusion of women But many states are nevertheless engaging with Afghanistan's leaders – including Britain and European Union members – driven largely by practical considerations. Beyond the high walls of the foreign ministry in central Kabul stand embassies, rows of travel agencies, and an airline billboard promising: "We're all connected." While few Afghans have the means to go abroad, their government "seeks relations with all countries", according to Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid. The authorities' diplomatic strategy has involved hosting envoys in Kabul – and frequently publishing the photos – including those from China, Japan, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Britain.
China's ambassador to Afghanistan Zhao Sheng shakes hands with Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hasan Akhund on September 13, 2023. © Handout via AP
