Maldives says envoy meeting with Taliban 'unsanctioned'

Maldives said on Sunday that a recent meeting between the High Commissioner of Maldives in Pakistan and a representative of Afghanistan in Islamabad was not authorised by the Maldivian government.

Maldives High Commissioner Mohamed Thoha meets Taliban's envoy to Pakistan Sardar Ahmad Shakeeb last week. 

In a statement, the foreign ministry emphasised that measures have been taken in response.

“The government of Maldives wishes to state that the recent meeting between the High Commissioner of Maldives in Pakistan and a representative of Afghanistan in Islamabad, was not sanctioned by the government of Maldives. Consequently, appropriate action has been taken by the government of Maldives,” the statement read.

Addressing the Maldives’ stance on representation issues, the statement further explained the government’s approach: “The government of Maldives is guided by the practice followed by the United Nations General Assembly when questions arise about the representative character of a government. Consistent with this practice, the Maldives recognises the government representing Afghanistan at the United Nations as the legitimate government of Afghanistan.”

The ministry reiterated the importance of adhering to established international practices when determining the legitimacy of foreign representatives, aligning with the precedent set by the United Nations General Assembly.