A foreign minister appointed by the Afghan Taliban has visited Pakistan by Reuters

ISLAMABAD (Reuters) – The Afghan-appointed foreign affairs chief will begin a visit to Pakistan on Wednesday to discuss trade and other ties as the Taliban seek global recognition and a freeze on assets to avert the economic crisis.

Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi will lead the delegation to Islamabad “with a special focus on relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan … to improve trade, facilitate transit trade, cross-border movement, land and air links, people-to-people relations. Contacts and regional connectivity,” said the Pakistani Foreign Ministry.

Although Pakistan has not formally acknowledged the Taliban administration, after the militia took over in August, it has long-standing relations with the group, although Islamabad has officially denied allegations of old Afghan authorities and their Western allies in favor of Islamists in the 20-year war.

The visit comes as the Taliban seek worldwide recognition.

Pakistan has called on governments to provide development aid to reach Afghanistan and unlock billions of dollars in its central bank assets to prevent economic collapse.

Despite good relations between the Taliban and Pakistan, they have had problems.

Pakistan International Airlines last month suspended operations in Kabul after the Taliban accused it of interfering.

Traders have also complained that some of their common border crossings are being closed regularly, hindering the flow of goods.

Pakistan’s foreign ministry said this week’s visit was a follow-up to its foreign minister’s visit to Kabul last month, which focused on smoothing trade and other relations.

Also on Wednesday, Pakistan’s main rival India was holding a conference on Afghanistan for countries in the region, but Pakistan’s national security adviser said Pakistan would not attend.

India had close relations with the old US-backed government in Afghanistan and the Taliban victory represents a major loss of influence for India in Afghanistan.