The Taliban is poised to join the upcoming Chinese "Belt and Road" forum, as confirmed by a spokesperson for the movement on October 14, Reuter reports.
This development highlights the growing official ties between Beijing and the "Taliban" administration, despite the absence of formal recognition by any government.
While officials and ministers from the "Taliban" movement have occasionally attended regional meetings, particularly those related to Afghanistan, the "Belt and Road" forum represents one of the most prominent multilateral summits to which they have been invited.
The forum in Beijing commemorates the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping's ambitious global infrastructure and energy initiative, known as the revival of the ancient Silk Road, aimed at stimulating global trade.
Haji Nuruddin Azizi, Acting Minister of Trade and Industry for the "Taliban" movement, will travel to Beijing in the coming days, according to a statement from the Ministry of Ahundzada Abdul Salam Javad in a text message sent to Reuters.
"He will participate and extend invitations to major investors to invest in Afghanistan," the message stated.
Afghanistan possesses substantial untapped mineral resources. In 2010, the Minister of Mines estimated that Afghanistan held undeveloped deposits, ranging from copper to gold and lithium, with a total estimated value of between $1tn and $3tn.
China has been in negotiations with the "Taliban" movement regarding initiatives, initiated by the previous government with foreign support, to construct a massive copper mine in eastern Afghanistan. The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided an immediate response to requests for comment.
In May, officials from China, the "Taliban" movement, and neighboring Pakistan expressed their desire for the "Belt and Road" initiative to encompass Afghanistan and for the flagship China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to be extended into Afghanistan.
China has substantially increased its engagement with the "Taliban" movement, appointing the first ambassador to Kabul since the "Taliban" assumed power and investing in mining projects.
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