Taliban courts Malaysia for trade and investment amid Afghanistan’s economic crisis

While Malaysia does not formally recognise the Taliban government, officials and businesspeople have visited Afghanistan seeking ties

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Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen (center) with KL-based Bait Al Amanah founding director Abdul Razak Ahmad (left) in Doha. Photo: Suhail Shaheen

Published: 5:00pm, 26 Aug 2024Updated: 1:03pm, 27 Aug 2024

Afghanistan’s Taliban rulers are hoping to establish trade and investment ties with Muslim-majority Malaysia in an effort to revive their country’s crippled economy ahead of the third anniversary of the US withdrawal on August 30.

While Kuala Lumpur does not officially recognise the Taliban government, Malaysian officials, NGOs and business officials have been visiting Afghanistan to explore ways to establish ties with various stakeholders.

“We would like to have good and positive relations with Malaysia and have constructive cooperation in various fields,” Taliban spokesman Suhail Shaheen told This Week In Asia.

“We view Malaysia as a potential trading and investment partner. Particularly, they can help Afghanistan in the higher education sector.

“We welcome Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim’s visit to Afghanistan any time but it is up to him when to visit Afghanistan,” Shaheen added, noting that such high-level trips were important to pave the way for positive relations between the two countries in various fields.

An Afghan woman walks on a road in Kabul, Afghanistan, on August 25. Photo: EPA-EFE

Analysts said the Taliban is eager to economically engage with countries like Malaysia to help stem the financial fallout from the militant group retaking control of Afghanistan three years ago.