Zabihullah Mujahid (File photo)
The Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan, ruled by the Taliban, has reiterated its intention to maintain good relations with all countries, including the United States. The Taliban government also urged Washington to reopen its embassy in Kabul, according to a report by Tolo News.Zabihullah Mujahid, speaking to Tolo News, said that the Emirate views its ties with the United States as primarily economic and political.”We support good relations with all countries, including the US, and our relations should rely on two channels: diplomatic and trade. In this regard, we have always reached out and encouraged the US to engage with us in these areas,” Mujahid said.He also responded to recent comments made by the US President regarding Bagram Airbase, suggesting that Donald Trump should focus on reopening the US Embassy in Kabul instead.”They sometimes talk about Bagram or other matters. We told them: instead of Bagram, activate your embassy in Kabul. By reopening this diplomatic channel, Afghanistan and the US can have proper and legitimate relations. We support good ties, let’s see what they say,” Mujahid added, as reported by Tolo News.The Taliban administration’s focus on economic and political engagement comes after the US deputy National Security Advisor acknowledged some level of cooperation from Afghanistan’s current leadership in counterterrorism efforts. Mohammad Amin Karim, an international relations expert, told Tolo News, “In the United States, there is ongoing contention between those who support and those who oppose engagement with the current system in Afghanistan, which has yet to reach a conclusion. We may see the announcement of a long-term US policy on Afghanistan in the coming weeks or months.”Despite repeated criticism from the US President regarding the withdrawal from Afghanistan, Washington’s official position on the Taliban-led government remains unclear.Meanwhile, in a significant diplomatic move, India on Tuesday restored the status of its Technical Mission in Kabul to that of an embassy with immediate effect. The ministry of external affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the decision reflects India’s commitment to strengthening its bilateral engagement with Afghanistan across all areas of mutual interest.The decision to upgrade India’s Technical Mission in Kabul to a full Embassy was announced by external affairs minister S Jaishankar during his meeting with Afghanistan’s foreign minister Mawlawi Amir Khan Muttaqi.The Afghan foreign minister visited India from October 9 to 16. The MEA release stated that the Embassy of India in Kabul will further enhance India’s contribution to Afghanistan’s comprehensive development.
