Egypt 'looking to open channels of communication with Taliban': source

Egypt is looking to cultivate relations with the Taliban, after the militant group seized power in Afghanistan following US withdrawal, government sources told The New Arab's Arabic-language service Al-Araby Al-Jadeed.

Egyptian officials are looking to open channels of communication with the Taliban, anonymous government sources Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, adding that there is no point in snubbing the militant group following their power grab.

The decision is allegedly being endorsed by the government, which wants to resume normal relations with Afghanistan, the report said.

The sources revealed that officials in the General Intelligence held meetings with former Egyptian jihadists, who fought alongside the Taliban in Afghanistan during the Soviet invasion, as well as in the period prior to 9/11. Security officials also met with two imprisoned jihadists who were asked to play a role in mediating between Cairo and the Taliban "as soon as possible", the report said.

The jihadists had been imprisoned on a number of charges against them since President Abdelfattah Al-Sisi took over Egypt in a bloody coup in July 2013.

In August, pro-regime journalist Ahmed Moussa interviewed Taliban political office spokesperson Mohammad Naim in his show Under My Responsibility, broadcasted on Sada El Balad, which is close to Egypt's security.

The Taliban took over Afghanistan on 15 August following the capture of the capital city Kabul.

Days later, they declared Afghanistan as an Islamic Emirate on the country's 102nd independence day from British rule.

The Taliban, who ruled Afghanistan between 1996 to 2001, has so far offered no plans for the government they plan to lead, other than saying it will be guided by Shariah, or Islamic law.