Tehran Says Taliban's Absence From Tehran Meeting Was Their Own Decision

Alokozay stated that after the Taliban came to power in Afghanistan, people have faced numerous challenges.

Tasnim News Agency reported on Sunday, that the Deputy head of the Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Investment said that most traders from western Afghanistan transferred their capital to Iran following the takeover of Taliban.

Previously, Hossein Salimi, Iran's head of the Foreign Investment Association, had said that Afghan citizens hold the top rank in investment in Iran.

Meanwhile, the Taliban’s Minister of Commerce and Industry has said that the group is pursuing economic self-sufficiency and attracting foreign investment in Afghanistan.

The group emphasised that it has provided an environment for investment for both domestic and foreign investors in Afghanistan and is working to encourage Afghan merchants to transfer their capital back to Afghanistan.

Zakharova stated that it is in Russia's interest to respond pragmatically and align with the country’s national interests.

Speaking to TASS news agency on the sidelines of the St. Petersburg Economic Forum, Zakharova said, "The presence of a delegation from the 'Taliban movement' at this forum is not accidental, as there are prospects for strengthening beneficial trade relations."

Zakharova mentioned that there are significant regional projects that include Afghanistan. Regarding the process of removing the Taliban from Russia's list of terrorist organisations, she said, "Experts in various departments are working on this."

The 27th St. Petersburg Economic Forum was held from June 5 to 8, with Abdul Manan Omari, the Taliban's Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, leading a delegation at the forum.

On Tuesday, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that establishing relations with the Taliban is a necessity, noting that the Taliban controls Afghanistan and its territories. In a meeting with journalists in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, he said, "We take into account the views of each of our partners and friends, and we will coordinate on this issue accordingly."

The organisation warned that these numbers will increase if aid funding is reduced.

The WHO stated that an additional $352 million is needed to address serious risks, bringing the total required budget to $423 million for the years 2024 and 2025.

Due to a severe budget shortfall, the WHO reported that 428 fixed and mobile health centres were closed in Afghanistan in 2023. The closure of these health centres has had a devastating impact on access to healthcare for more than three million people, including over 600,000 children under five and more than 240,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women.

Currently, 310 health centres across Afghanistan are facing challenges due to a lack of funds.

Afghan citizens are struggling with infectious diseases, recent droughts, and floods, leading to food shortages and malnutrition. Women and children are among the most vulnerable groups.

The WHO also warned that the ban on education for girls in schools and universities will further deteriorate the situation for women in Afghanistan.

On Sunday, Gabriel wrote in an article for Bild newspaper that Germany should secure guarantees from the Taliban that deported refugees will not be tortured or killed.

Following an attack by an Afghan refugee in Mannheim, which resulted in the death of a police officer and injuries to five others, the German Chancellor stated that dangerous criminals and terrorists have no place in Germany.

Gabriel emphasised that negotiations with the Taliban are necessary to make the deportation of criminals to Afghanistan mandatory. He suggested providing economic aid to countries in exchange for accepting deported refugees.

Previously, the Taliban's Foreign Ministry had expressed readiness to negotiate with Germany regarding the deportation of refugees. The ministry stated that refugees should not be deported to regional countries.

Some German politicians, considering the Taliban's control in Afghanistan and the lack of diplomatic relations with Kabul, have called for discussions with regional countries, including Pakistan, about the deportation of Afghan refugees.

Gabriel also highlighted that an alliance has emerged between anti-Semitic neo-Nazis and anti-freedom and anti-democracy Islamists that must be confronted. He noted that the German Chancellor has a significant opportunity to break the existing taboo and legally facilitate the deportation of dangerous criminals from Germany.

Due to laws and humanitarian considerations, the German government cannot deport rejected asylum seekers accused of crimes. However, right-wing parties argue that these refugees should be deported under any circumstances.

Currently, the deportation of Afghan refugees from Germany, even those who have committed crimes, has been halted due to the Taliban's rule. Some political factions in Germany have expressed concern that any negotiations and dialogue with the Taliban would legitimise the group.

After completing their mission, these forces returned to their service location.

The report stated that the Badri suicide unit inspected the weapons and personnel previously stationed along the border and provided recommendations to the officials there. National Television in Kandahar also released an image of this suicide unit.

The Afghanistan-Pakistan border, known as the Durand Line, spans tens of kilometres between Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Kandahar province.
Last year, the Taliban announced the construction of 605 kilometres of road and 130 new outposts to strengthen security in this province.

Taliban and Pakistani forces have repeatedly clashed over construction at border crossings. The Taliban have stated that they are securing Afghanistan's borders to prevent threats to neighbouring countries.