Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said his country is reviewing whether to recognise the Taliban administration in co-ordination with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.
He said any decision would be based on the principles of justice, inclusivity, respect for the rights of women and minorities, and guaranteed access to education.
Ibrahim spoke on Thursday with Mohammad Hassan Akhund, the Taliban prime minister, about current developments in the region, particularly tensions between the Taliban administration and Pakistan.
In a post on X, Malaysian prime minister said the two sides discussed ways to reduce tensions. He said he hoped the tensions would ease.
The Malaysian prime minister also voiced support for mediation efforts by Türkiye, Qatar and Saudi Arabia to help lower tensions between the Taliban and Pakistan.
He also said Malaysia would continue its humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
It was the first time Ibrahim has publicly spoken about reviewing recognition of the Taliban administration. So far, however, no Islamic country has recognised it.
Many Islamic countries oppose the Taliban’s strict interpretation of Islam, particularly on women’s education and employment. Last year, a number of scholars from across the Islamic world said at a meeting in Islamabad that banning girls from education has no basis in Islamic law.
Russia is the only country to have recognised the Taliban administration.
