A Taliban delegation will visit Norway on Sunday to hold three-day talks on how to alleviate a "humanitarian crisis", the Norwegian foreign ministry said on Friday, adding Afghans from “other backgrounds” will also take part in meetings. The visit, it added, will not mean the legitimization of the group.

"Meetings will also take place between the Taliban delegation and other Afghans with backgrounds from a range of fields. These include women leaders, journalists, and individuals working to safeguard human rights and address humanitarian, economic, social, and political issues," the ministry said in a statement. 

The Taliban, which came to power last year in August, has failed to win recognition for their regime, which has partly exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in the country. The group’s refusal to form an inclusive government, commitment to human rights, and women’s rights are key reasons behind non-recognition. 

Norwegian Foreign Minister Anniken Huitfeldt said in the statement, "These meetings do not represent a legitimization or recognition of the Taliban. But we must talk to the de facto authorities in the country.

In a veiled warning, she said, "We cannot allow the political situation to lead to an even worse humanitarian disaster." During the talks, the Taliban leaders will also meet Norwegian authorities as well as diplomats from several other countries from Jan. 23 to Jan. 25. 

Interestingly, the nature of talks, as the Norwegian foreign ministry says, is “humanitarian”. However, the question remains why is the Taliban delegation visiting Norway for such talks when the European Union (EU) has already opened up its embassy in Kabul. 

Furthermore, Norway has an excellent reputation as a neutral mediator for peace diplomacy, having been involved for years in mediating in Sri Lanka's conflict between Colombo and Tamil separatists. And the meeting with “Afghans from other backgrounds,” could be yet another attempt to help forge common ground between different political groups of Afghanistan.   

(SAM)