02:18Two European motorcyclists were welcomed in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday as part of their tour across continents, as the Taliban government tries to boost tourism in the country.
Taliban government's Sports Federation welcomed the Italian and the German motorcyclists, organising an honouring ceremony attended by Afghan officials.
"I have travelled a lot by motorbike - in Africa, Asia, South Africa, South America - but I prefer Asia,” said the Italian motorcyclist Gianni Fornara.
“In terms of security for our athletes and tourists, there is no problem even night and day. There is no danger or risk in any province where they travel or do their sports program. The Security Forces cooperate with us also,” explained Dad Mohammad Painda Akhtari, Executive Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan after the US withdrew its forces after two decades of military presence. On 15 August 2021 took over the capital, Kabul, and seized power and on August 31 US forces withdrew from the country as the last US aircraft left Kabul.
The movement has since tried to revitalise tourism, which has dramatically dropped. According to the Taliban's Ministry of Tourism, only 8,200 foreign tourists have visited the country in the past two years.
Off the beaten path! European motorcyclists warmly welcomed in Kabul during tour across continents
Two European motorcyclists were welcomed in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday as part of their tour across continents, as the Taliban government tries to boost tourism in the country.
Taliban government's Sports Federation welcomed the Italian and the German motorcyclists, organising an honouring ceremony attended by Afghan officials.
"I have travelled a lot by motorbike - in Africa, Asia, South Africa, South America - but I prefer Asia,” said the Italian motorcyclist Gianni Fornara.
“In terms of security for our athletes and tourists, there is no problem even night and day. There is no danger or risk in any province where they travel or do their sports program. The Security Forces cooperate with us also,” explained Dad Mohammad Painda Akhtari, Executive Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan after the US withdrew its forces after two decades of military presence. On 15 August 2021 took over the capital, Kabul, and seized power and on August 31 US forces withdrew from the country as the last US aircraft left Kabul.
The movement has since tried to revitalise tourism, which has dramatically dropped. According to the Taliban's Ministry of Tourism, only 8,200 foreign tourists have visited the country in the past two years.
Two European motorcyclists were welcomed in the Afghan capital Kabul on Saturday as part of their tour across continents, as the Taliban government tries to boost tourism in the country.
Taliban government's Sports Federation welcomed the Italian and the German motorcyclists, organising an honouring ceremony attended by Afghan officials.
"I have travelled a lot by motorbike - in Africa, Asia, South Africa, South America - but I prefer Asia,” said the Italian motorcyclist Gianni Fornara.
“In terms of security for our athletes and tourists, there is no problem even night and day. There is no danger or risk in any province where they travel or do their sports program. The Security Forces cooperate with us also,” explained Dad Mohammad Painda Akhtari, Executive Chairman of the National Olympic Committee.
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan after the US withdrew its forces after two decades of military presence. On 15 August 2021 took over the capital, Kabul, and seized power and on August 31 US forces withdrew from the country as the last US aircraft left Kabul.
The movement has since tried to revitalise tourism, which has dramatically dropped. According to the Taliban's Ministry of Tourism, only 8,200 foreign tourists have visited the country in the past two years.