For the first time since retaking power, the Taliban joined official United Nations-led negotiations in Doha, meeting global powers face-to-face to press for the release of over $7 billion in frozen Afghan assets. The two-day forum, convened by the UN on June 30 and July 1, signals a significant shift in strategy: technical engagement without formal recognition.
Over 25 nations and international organizations attended, including Russia, China, Iran, Qatar, and the United States. The Taliban, led by spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid, presented an aggressive economic reform narrative, focused on banking recovery, agriculture, and anti-drug enforcement.
UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo emphasized the dialogue was “technical, not political,” stressing that no recognition of Taliban authority was implied by the meeting’s format.
Taliban Demands Release of $7 Billion in Frozen Funds as Condition for Stability
Taliban officials demanded immediate access to Afghanistan’s frozen central bank reserves, citing worsening inflation, cash shortages, and stalled trade. The group argued that withholding the money punishes ordinary Afghans and obstructs national recovery.
Russia echoed concerns about economic collapse in Afghanistan and floated the idea of partial unfreezing through humanitarian escrow mechanisms.
Taliban Seeks Global Investment in Agriculture and Rural Jobs
The Taliban showcased its 2022 opium cultivation ban, which slashed production by 90 percent, as proof of commitment to global drug policy. They asked for agricultural development funding in exchange, proposing wheat subsidies, irrigation projects, and market access for halal exports.
UN delegates acknowledged the ban’s effect on rural incomes and agreed to explore partnerships through FAO and World Bank-led programs, as reported by Al Jazeera.
Absence of Women in Taliban Delegation Draws Quiet Diplomatic Backlash
Despite growing international concern, no women were included in the Taliban delegation. The UN said civil society groups were not invited at all, to preserve the forum’s “technical” nature. Still, rights advocates raised alarm, according to TASS.
That multiple European officials voiced concern behind closed doors. The Taliban declined to respond.
Russia and Qatar Back Continued Engagement Without Recognizing Taliban Rule
Moscow positioned itself as a pragmatic broker, calling on all sides to continue engagement without recognition. Russia’s Foreign Ministry, said Afghanistan must remain “inside the tent” of international discussions to avoid instability along Central Asia’s southern rim.
Qatar, long a mediator on Afghan issues, hosted the event and backed expansion of technical formats on trade, transit, and counter-terrorism.
UN Talks End Without Deal, But Pave Way for Future Economic Dialogues
Although no formal agreements emerged from the two-day conference, UN officials indicated that a fourth round of talks is already in planning for later this year. The Taliban delegation expressed willingness to continue engaging, emphasizing that future dialogue must prioritize the unfreezing of Afghan financial reserves, foreign investment pathways, and international recognition of Afghanistan’s economic sovereignty.
