JOHOR BARU – The Taliban has praised PAS president Tan Sri Abdul Hadi Awang as both an “insightful” and “experienced” leader in the areas of diplomacy and Islamic academia.
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan’s (IEA) Chief of Political Office Muhammad Suhail Shaheen said Hadi expressed a desire to strengthen ties between Malaysia and his nation.
I found him (Hadi) an experienced and insightful religious scholar and diplomat who wants to have good and close relations with the IEA and the people of Afghanistan.
“I am looking forward to having such meetings with various high-profile personalities from Malaysia frequently,” Suhail told The Vibes when contacted.
His comments come in light of a meeting held in February last year between Suhail and Hadi – who was then the prime minister’s special envoy to the Middle East – in Doha, Qatar.
Following a tweet after the meeting, Suhail said Hadi promised that Malaysia would do what it can to assist Afghanistan and improve bilateral relations.
Forging ties with Anwar-led government
Touching on Malaysia’s new administration following its meeting with Hadi, Suhail said Taliban-led Afghanistan looks forward to forging ties with the government, now led by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
“We would like to work with him (Anwar) and explore ways we can forge ahead.
“In brief, we have high expectations from our brothers in Malaysia, whether they are in the government or outside the government.
“I hope Malaysia rises to the occasion during this critical phase for Afghanistan,” Suhail added.
According to Suhail, Afghanistan is in need of comprehensive diplomatic and economic relations during its nation-building phase following the United States military’s exit in 2021.
We want peaceful coexistence and mutual cooperation with all Islamic countries.
“We have shared goals, such as to maintain security and provide prosperity for both of our peoples,” he added.
Suhail is a Taliban member who served as deputy ambassador to Pakistan when it ruled from 1996 to 2001.
During the American occupation of Afghanistan, he served as a Taliban spokesman from its political office in Doha.
Currently, Afghanistan’s Taliban-led administration has also nominated Suhail as a permanent representative to the United Nations. – The Vibes, January 17, 2023
