Iranian, Norwegian Foreign Ministers Discuss Afghanistan At Oslo Forum

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his Norwegian counterpart, Espen Barth Eide, held talks on the sidelines of the 22nd Oslo Forum, discussing regional developments, including the situation in Afghanistan, according to a statement from Iran’s Foreign Ministry.

The ministry said the two officials exchanged views on bilateral relations, regional issues, and broader international matters. Among the key topics discussed were the status of Iran-US negotiations and developments in Afghanistan, though no specific details regarding their conversation on Afghanistan were disclosed.

Norway has maintained limited engagement with the Taliban since their return to power in 2021. While it hosted a high-level Taliban delegation, led by Amir Khan Muttaqi, in January 2022, Norway has since expressed concerns over the group’s continued restrictions on women and girls.

Though Norway accepted Najibullah Sherkhan as First Secretary at the Afghan Embassy earlier this year, the move sparked criticism from European civil society groups and women’s rights activists. Notably, no Taliban representatives were invited to this year’s Oslo Forum, signalling a shift in Norway’s stance.

Norwegian officials have stated that while humanitarian engagement will continue, formal political relations with the Taliban will remain limited due to ongoing human rights concerns.