Moldovan Government Criticized Over Afghan Taliban Agriculture Delegation Visit

In early August 2026 a delegation from Afghanistan’s Ministry of Agriculture arrived in the Republic of Moldova after receiving entry visas. The group, led by Deputy Minister Sadr Azam Osmani, was invited to discuss humanitarian‑oriented agricultural exports to a country facing severe food‑security problems. Moldova’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the visas but stressed that none of the delegates are on international sanctions lists, the country does not recognise the Taliban regime, and no bilateral meetings or official contacts will take place.

Prime Minister Vasile Tofan called the approval of the visit “a blunder, an error of evaluation and institutional coordination,” and announced a review of the invitation and visa procedures. Former Finance Minister Mariana Durleșteanu warned that the visit could damage Moldova’s image in its EU accession negotiations. The government has ordered an investigation into how the invitation was issued and pledged to tighten internal coordination for future cases.