The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has pledged to strengthen cooperation with Afghanistan in preserving, restoring and modernizing the country’s cultural and historical institutions.

According to Afghanistan’s Ministry of Information and Culture, Deputy Minister Mawlawi Atiqullah Azizi met in Kabul with Khalil Ibrahim Okur, the OIC’s deputy for humanitarian affairs, to discuss joint cultural initiatives and efforts to protect Afghanistan’s historical heritage.

The discussions focused on the preservation of historical sites, the digital 3D documentation of cultural artifacts and plans to modernize cultural institutions across the country.

Azizi said Afghanistan holds a rich cultural and historical legacy that is closely tied to the broader Islamic world.

“Afghanistan possesses numerous historical monuments, ancient sites, manuscripts and cultural treasures whose preservation is a shared cultural responsibility for Islamic countries,” he said.

He also called on the OIC to expand support for the development and modernization of public libraries, the National Archives, the National Museum and the Directorate of Fine Arts.

Okur praised the ministry’s efforts to safeguard Afghanistan’s cultural heritage and said the OIC would work with Afghan institutions on practical initiatives related to restoration, digital documentation and the international promotion of Afghanistan’s historical treasures.

He further assured Afghan officials that opportunities would be created for Afghan experts to participate in international educational and scientific programs aimed at strengthening professional skills and gaining new experience.

According to Okur, the OIC is seeking to deepen Afghanistan’s cultural ties with Islamic countries and international cultural organizations through joint programs focused on protecting the country’s historical and cultural heritage.

The two sides also discussed initiatives aimed at improving the capacity and expertise of Afghan professionals working in the cultural and historical sectors.

Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has said that Afghanistan’s representation at the United Nations is both the responsibility of the Islamic Emirate and a right of the Afghan people.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muttaqi made the remarks during a meeting with UNAMA chief Georgette Gagnon where the two sides discussed the upcoming UN Security Council meeting on Afghanistan as well as other related issues.

The ministry said Muttaqi described Afghanistan’s participation in the United Nations and other international bodies as important for strengthening and expanding engagement between Afghanistan and the international community.

During the meeting, Gagnon stressed the need for greater international engagement with Afghanistan and continued cooperation in different sectors.

The ministry added that both sides emphasized expanding humanitarian cooperation, strengthening mutual engagement, and improving coordination through joint working committees.

UK Special Envoy for Afghanistan Richard Lindsay has emphasized the importance of improving relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan and ensuring the inclusion of Afghan women and girls in society.

In a statement issued following his meeting with Afghanistan’s representative to Qatar, Suhail Shaheen, in Doha, Lindsay described the talks as valuable and focused on key regional and social issues related to Afghanistan.

According to the British envoy, both sides discussed the need for practical steps to strengthen relations between Kabul and Islamabad amid ongoing regional diplomatic efforts concerning Afghanistan.

Lindsay also stressed the importance of the participation and inclusion of Afghan women and girls in society, an issue that continues to be a major focus of international engagement with the Islamic Emirate.

The meeting comes as regional and international diplomatic contacts regarding Afghanistan continue, with several countries and international actors seeking broader dialogue on political, humanitarian and regional security issues.

Britain has repeatedly called for greater engagement on matters related to education, women’s participation and regional stability while continuing diplomatic contacts concerning Afghanistan.