Afghan Higher Education Minister Neda Mohammad Nadim led a delegation to Oman on Sunday, January 11, 2026, to strengthen Afghanistan Oman Academic Cooperation through meetings with officials and tours of educational institutions.
The Afghan Minister Oman Visit underscores growing diplomatic engagement between Kabul and Muscat. Oman maintains balanced relations with the Islamic Emirate, facilitating academic exchanges amid Afghanistan’s push for international partnerships in education.
Taliban Education Minister Oman Trip Details
Neda Mohammad Nadim Oman journey began on January 11, 2026. The delegation departed Kabul for Muscat to discuss expanding academic relations.
Zia Hashimi, spokesperson for the Ministry of Higher Education, stated: “During this visit, Sheikh al-Hadith Mawlawi Neda Mohammad Nadim, Minister of Higher Education, will meet with relevant Omani authorities. In addition to expanding cooperation and exchanging academic experiences, he will visit various organizations and scientific centers in Oman and engage in discussions to strengthen academic relations between the two countries.”
The Afghan Minister Oman Visit includes scheduled engagements with Omani higher education officials. The delegation plans to explore opportunities for joint programmes and knowledge sharing.
Bakhtar News Agency reported: “A delegation led by Sheikh Neda Mohammad Nadeem, the Minister of Higher Education, has embarked on an official trip to the Sultanate of Oman. During this visit, Minister Nadeem is set to engage with Omani officials to explore opportunities for expanding cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and academic exchanges between the two nations.”
Radio Television of Afghanistan added: “Shaikh Nida Mohammad Nadeem, Minister of Higher Education, has departed Kabul at the head of a delegation for an official visit to the Sultanate of Oman. Nadeem is scheduled to meet with senior Omani officials to discuss strengthening bilateral scientific and academic relations. During the visit, he will also tour various educational institutions in Oman.”
This Taliban Education Minister Oman trip follows recent diplomatic interactions. On January 8, 2026, Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held a phone call with Omani counterpart Sayyid Badr Albusaidi. They discussed enhancing bilateral ties, including trade and transit.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Afghanistan noted the call focused on “strengthening relations between Afghanistan and Oman, with particular emphasis on expanding trade, transit, and transportation cooperation.”
Omani Foreign Minister expressed support for delegation exchanges to foster collaboration.
Background on Afghanistan Oman Academic Cooperation
Afghanistan Oman Academic Cooperation has evolved since the Islamic Emirate’s return to power in 2021. Oman adopted a pragmatic approach, maintaining channels with Kabul unlike some regional powers.
This Afghan Minister Oman Visit marks the third high-level trip by Islamic Emirate officials to Oman. In prior engagements, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi visited Muscat, followed by Transport and Civil Aviation Minister Hamidullah Akhundzada. Those trips resulted in an agreement for direct flights between Kabul and Muscat, operational since 2023.
Oman hosts over 500 Afghan students in its universities, focusing on fields like engineering and medicine. Bilateral agreements signed in 2022 allow for scholarship exchanges, though numbers remain limited.
Neda Mohammad Nadim, appointed Minister of Higher Education in October 2022, oversees 129 public and private universities in Afghanistan, enrolling 400000 students. Under his leadership, the ministry introduced curriculum reforms emphasising Islamic studies.
Zakiullah Mohammadi, a university professor, commented: “These visits can be effective. Even ministers can be influenced by the educational standards of the host country and consider applying similar models back home.”
Political analyst Ahmad Saeedi said: “Such trips help Afghanistan rebuild academic links isolated by sanctions. Oman’s neutral stance makes it a key partner.”
Afghanistan faces challenges in higher education, including infrastructure deficits and faculty shortages. International cooperation aims to address these, with Oman providing expertise in vocational training.
Recent data from the Afghan Ministry of Higher Education shows 1500 faculty members trained abroad since 2021, though partnerships are selective.
Oman’s Ministry of Higher Education regulates 28 universities and colleges, with a focus on research in arid agriculture and renewable energy areas relevant to Afghanistan.
The Taliban Education Minister Oman engagement aligns with broader regional dynamics. South Asian nations monitor Afghanistan’s outreach to Gulf states for economic stability.
In 2025, Afghanistan exported USD 1.5 billion in goods, with Oman importing Afghan dried fruits worth USD 20 million. Academic ties could complement trade growth.
Implications for South Asian Education Landscape
The Afghan Minister Oman Visit holds significance for South Asia, where Afghanistan’s education system influences regional human capital. Enhanced Afghanistan Oman Academic Cooperation could facilitate knowledge transfer, benefiting neighbouring countries through shared research.
South Asia hosts 50 million higher education students, with Afghanistan contributing 0.8 percent. Cross-border initiatives like this promote stability amid ongoing reconstruction efforts.
Experts note that Neda Mohammad Nadim Oman discussions may lead to memoranda on faculty exchanges, potentially involving South Asian scholars.
What’s Next
Future steps from the Taliban Education Minister Oman trip include potential signing of bilateral accords. Follow-up visits by Omani delegations to Kabul are anticipated within months.
The Afghan Minister Oman Visit paves the way for sustained Afghanistan Oman Academic Cooperation, fostering long-term educational partnerships.
Published in SouthAsianDesk, January 12th, 2026
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