Afghan Supreme Leader Hibatullah Akhundzade on Friday again urged the international community to recognize the Taliban government, saying the world has become a “small village” and proper diplomatic relations will help solve the country’s problems.
No country has officially recognized the regime established by the Taliban after they seized power in August.
In a letter written ahead of Eid al-Adha, Akhundzade did not mention the pending issues causing tensions with the international community, including the opening of secondary schools for girls.
Instead, he said, recognition should come first, “so that we can deal with our problems formally and within the framework of diplomatic norms and principles.”
“There is no doubt that the world has become a small village,” said Akhundzadeh, who has not appeared in public for years and lives in seclusion in Kandahar, the Taliban’s spiritual stronghold.
“Afghanistan is playing its part in bringing peace and stability to the world. Based on this need, the world should recognize Afghanistan,” he added.