A: Hey there! Have you heard about the latest news from Afghanistan?
B: No, what's up?

A: Well, it looks like the Taliban is trying to end their international isolation! They've been talking with Russia and even hinted at asking for recognition from other countries.

B: That's interesting! I heard they regained power last year. What else did they say?

A: Well, their economy minister spoke with NHK and said they hope to get economic help from Russia, especially in developing mineral resources. They also mentioned that they might ask Japan for recognition too, and maybe even some investments!

B: Wow, sounds like they're trying to improve their situation. But what about human rights, like women's rights? Aren't they being violated there?

A: That's a touchy subject. The minister said that Afghanistan's religious customs should be respected and denied any violation of women's rights. I think we all know how critical countries like Japan, the US, and Europe have been about their restrictions on women's rights though.

A: Oh, and did you hear they're trying to send workers to Russia for work? They might even go to Ukraine for construction! But the details aren't decided yet.

B: Crazy times over there, huh? It'll be interesting to see how things unfold.
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The Taliban interim government in Afghanistan has signaled that the country wants to end its international isolation, following Russia's recent recognition of the Islamist group's rule. The Taliban regained power in August 2021.



The interim government's economy minister Din Mohammad Hanif spoke with NHK in Kabul on Saturday.



The interview came after Russia became the first state to recognize the Taliban government last month. Hanif said the recognition has good benefits politically and economically.



He expressed hope that Russia would extend economic cooperation with investment and development of the country's mineral resources. Hanif said they will also request other countries including Japan to recognize their government. He said they expect that Japanese companies will invest in Afghanistan, as the security situation is good.



The minister denied that women's human rights are being violated in Afghanistan, and said the country's religious customs should be respected.



Japan, the United States and European countries have been critical of the Taliban's strict restrictions on women's rights to education and employment.





Afghan Taliban negotiating to send workers to Russia



The Taliban interim government in Afghanistan is trying to expand its cooperation with Russia beyond the energy sector.



Labor ministry spokesperson Samiullah Ibrahimi told NHK that the interim government was in talks with Russia about sending workers there. The move indicates that the interim government hopes to improve the employment and economic situation in Afghanistan.



Russian news site The Insider quoted authorities in Russia as saying the country is considering sending Afghan workers to occupied land in Ukraine for construction.



Ibrahimi said such details were not being discussed, but that the interim government may send workers to work in the agricultural sector in the near future.
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Quiz 1:
Who is Afghanistan's current economy minister?
A. Din Mohammad Hanif
B. Samiullah Ibrahimi
C. Abdul Ghani Baradar
D. Ashraf Ghani

[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 1: A

Quiz 2:
Which country is considering sending Afghan workers for construction work?
A. Russia
B. Ukraine
C. Afghanistan
D. Japan

[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 2: A

Quiz 3:
What sector does the Taliban interim government plan to send Afghan workers to work in, according to labor ministry spokesperson Samiullah Ibrahimi?
A. Agriculture
B. Construction
C. Mining
D. Energy

[Answer block]
Answers: Quiz 3: A