Afghan government pursues balanced foreign policy through engagement with U.S. and Russia

The Taliban-led government in Afghanistan seems to be adopting a balanced foreign policy as it engages with Western and regional powers in a new round of diplomatic outreach.

The Afghan Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Ambassador Zalmai Khalilzad, the former US special envoy for Afghan peace, has visited Kabul and held an informal meeting with Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi. 

According to a statement issued by the Afghan foreign ministry, the discussion centred on enhancing bilateral relations between Afghanistan and the United States. Although the meeting between Ambassador Khalilzad and Minister Muttaqi has been described as “informal,” it signifies the ongoing engagement between Kabul and Washington despite the United States' lack of formal recognition of the Afghan government. 

In a statement, Zia Ahmad Takal, the deputy spokesman at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “The informal meeting focused on comprehensive discussions aimed at developing and strengthening bilateral relations between Afghanistan and the United States.”

Meanwhile, in Moscow, Afghanistan’s ambassador Gul Hassan Hassan met with Zamir Kabulov, the Russian president's special envoy for Afghanistan. A statement from the Afghan Embassy in Russia said the two sides discussed “key regional developments, mechanisms for bringing Afghan workers to Russia, and the expansion of economic cooperation.” 

The meeting also emphasised the importance of accelerating the implementation of joint projects and strengthening Kabul's and Moscow's mutual engagement.

These two meetings emphasise Kabul’s effort to maintain diplomatic balance, seeking dialogue with the United States and Russia at a time when global alignments are shifting. Afghan officials say this approach reflects their broader goal of pursuing an “independent and balanced foreign policy,” aimed at rebuilding Afghanistan’s international relations and boosting economic opportunities.

While the international community continues to urge the Taliban government to make progress on human rights and women’s education, analysts say Kabul’s recent diplomatic efforts reflect a pragmatic approach centred on strengthening economic cooperation and regional engagement.

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