UPDATE - China's new Afghan envoy presents credentials to Taliban

UPDATES HEADLINE, DECK, LEDE; EDITS THROUGHOUT

By Anadolu staff

ANKARA (AA) – China on Wednesday sent a new ambassador to Kabul, marking the first time a foreign envoy was appointed at the ambassadorial level since the Taliban took power in Afghanistan in 2021.

Zhao Sheng presented his credentials to acting Taliban Prime Minister Mohammad Hassan Akhund at Kabul’s presidential palace, and was presented a guard of honor at a grand ceremony, according to a Taliban spokesman.

The interim administration published photos of the ceremony at which the ambassador was received by officials.

Zhao replaced his predecessor Wang Yu, who completed his tenure last month.

Although no country has yet recognized the Taliban as legitimate rulers of Afghanistan since they stormed back into power two years ago, a number of countries and international organizations have their embassies and representatives in the war-torn country.