Taliban Foreign Minister Rejects Foreign Military Presence, Calls for Economic Ties with U.S.

The Taliban’s Foreign Minister responded to Trump’s call for military presence, stating that the people of Afghanistan reject any foreign military presence and emphasize economic engagement.

The Taliban: No Afghan Accepts Foreign Military Presence

Amir Khan Muttaki, the Taliban’s Foreign Minister, emphasized in an interview with The New York Times that Afghans do not wish for foreign military forces on their soil. He referred to Trump’s repeated requests for the return of the Bagram base and stated, “No Afghan desires another country’s military presence in Afghanistan.”

Taliban’s Foreign Minister Calls for Engagement with the U.S.

Muttaki added that this opposition does not equate to severing political and economic ties with the United States. He suggested that Washington reopen its embassy in Kabul and invest in Afghanistan’s economic projects.

Amir Khan Muttaki to Trump: Military Presence is Intolerable

The Foreign Minister pointed out areas where U.S. investment could be beneficial, naming Afghanistan’s mines, dams, and roads. He considered these projects as part of a “new chapter” in the relationship between the two nations.

Taliban’s Opposition to U.S. Military Presence Does Not Mean a Break in Ties

Instead, Muttaki called for the reopening of Afghan diplomatic missions in the United States. This comes as the U.S. State Department has reportedly responded negatively to the possibility of resuming relations with the Taliban.

Taliban Government Works to Break International Isolation

The New York Times reported that Kabul has signed defense agreements with Russia and trade agreements with Central Asian countries in a bid to escape its isolation. Additionally, some former U.S. diplomats are advocating for the resumption of talks between Washington and the Taliban.