Why the Taliban will not be at the UN General Assembly

Afghanistan is building new trade and transit links across Asia, but the Taliban government will again be absent from the country’s seat as world leaders gather in New York for the 81st United Nations General Assembly.

The Taliban have controlled Afghanistan since August 2021, but have not been given the country’s UN credentials. Afghanistan continues to be represented by diplomats from the former government.

Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has called for that to change, arguing in May that representation would strengthen engagement with the international community.

“Afghanistan’s representation is the responsibility of the Afghan government & the legitimate right of the Afghan people,” Muttaqi said.

Business without recognition

The diplomatic dispute comes as Afghanistan expands economic relations across the region.

Trade with Central Asian countries reached about $2.7 billion in 2025, according to Muttaqi, who said Kabul wants the figure to reach $10 billion within three or four years.

New transport routes are also emerging. A China-Afghanistan freight corridor launched pilot shipments this year, while Afghanistan, Iran and Tajikistan agreed in July to activate a joint road transit route.

Russia became the first country to formally recognise the Taliban government in July 2025. Other regional countries have increased diplomatic and economic engagement without formally recognising it. 

No movement at UN

That growing engagement has not changed Afghanistan’s representation in New York.

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Asked in August whether the Taliban authorities could be seated at the UN, Deputy UN Spokesman Farhan Haq said recognition remained a matter for governments.

“Ultimately, those decisions on recognition are made by Governments, and we are not that,” Haq said.

He added there was “no movement towards that among the Member States here.” 

The divide remains visible this week: Afghanistan is increasingly connected to its neighbours through trade, transit and diplomacy, but the government in Kabul still does not represent the country on the UN General Assembly floor.

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