The Taliban’s deputy foreign minister on political affairs Shir Mohammad Abbas Stanekzai on Saturday expressed a desire for good relations with the United States.
Speaking at an event in Kabul, Stanekzai specifically asked the US President-elect Donald Trump to change the current US policy towards Afghanistan and adopt a new one that is based on the Doha Agreement, signed between the Taliban and the US in 2020.
Stanekzai clarified that the Taliban are willing to be friends with the US, stating that “the enemy is not always the enemy.” However, he outlined specific conditions for improved ties including lifting of economic sanctions, unfreezing Afghanistan’s assets in foreign banks, the removal of the Taliban leaders from blacklists, non-interference in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, and recognition of the Taliban government.
The Taliban government is not internationally recognized due to its policies towards Afghan women and girls. Since returning to power, the Taliban government has not allowed Afghan girls and women to study beyond primary school.
