Analysis
By hosting Taliban FM, UAE seeks to expand influence in Afghanistan
Abu Dhabi plans to invest up to $400 million in Afghanistan and upgrade the Central Asian country's consulate in Dubai.
DUBAI — The United Arab Emirates is looking to bolster its regional influence through increased engagement with the Taliban following a recent visit by the Central Asian country's acting foreign minister to Abu Dhabi.
Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Abu Dhabi and met with Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed on Jan 8.
The meeting, which was also attended by the UAE's minister of state, Ahmed bin Ali al-Sayegh, focused on “the mutual interests of both countries, promoting prosperity and welfare for their peoples," Emirati state news agency Wam reported.
The statement also read that the UAE would back "economic and developmental fields while supporting reconstruction and development efforts in Afghanistan."
