Kabul: The Taliban, in a celebratory meeting to mark the withdrawal of US presence from the country after 20 years, said on Tuesday they want to engage in diplomatic and economic relations with the world and assured that Afghanistan’s soil will not be used to attack any other country.
Addressing the ceremonial meeting in Kabul, Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said the Islamic Emirate wants good political and economic relations with the world and the world should recognise the new government based on these good relations.
According to tweets put out by Tolo News and Shamshad news, and translated into English from Pashto by Google, Mujahid said, ”We want all countries in the world, including the United States, to recognise us. We are part of the world.
”We assure you that the soil of Afghanistan will not be used against any country or anyone. Our message to the world is of peace and the world should think about us once again,” he said.
He also said that Afghanistan faces economic challenges and called on Afghan businesspersons to take part in addressing the economic issues.
Mujahid said the new government will try to attract foreign investment, but added that such engagements should not influence Afghanistan’s sovereignty and should be based on mutual cooperation and interests.
”After the occupation, all Afghans should join hands and be united. If a nation is united, it will never be defeated.”
”Economic independence is also needed,” he said, adding that a number of countries have contacted the Taliban to say they are interested in investing in Afghanistan.
He also assured that all citizens have been pardoned under an amnesty and their properties are safe.
”Once again, we assure that all citizens of the country have been pardoned in the framework of amnesty and their property and selves are safe. This is not a tactic but our strategy and approach. We must all work together and build the country,” he said.
Maulvi Shahabuddin Delawar, a member of the Taliban’s political bureau, said during the meeting that they welcome those countries that have not closed their embassies in Kabul and called on other countries to reopen their embassies.
”We welcome the countries that have kept their embassies open in Kabul and we urge those that have left to reopen their embassies. There is no danger to them,” said Delawar.
Inamullah Samangani, a member of the Taliban’s political bureau, in his speech said that people should not leave the country, but join the Taliban in rebuilding the country.
”The issue of insecurity has been solved. Now people are worried about the economy. The next government of Afghanistan, led by the Islamic Emirate, will play an important role in the region’s economic development.” Samangani also said that no country should attempt to invade Afghanistan.
The US ended its presence in Afghanistan on Monday midnight after 20 years, withdrawing all personnel and military from the country. The Taliban took over the country on August 15.
