Zabihullah Mujahid, the head of the Taliban delegation at the third Doha meeting on Afghanistan, said the Islamic Emirate is committed to positive engagement.
Commitment to Positive Engagement
Mujahid stated that the Taliban’s participation in the Doha meeting demonstrates their commitment to constructive dialogue, despite some policy differences with other countries. He acknowledged that some countries may have issues with certain Taliban measures, but said experienced diplomats should find ways to interact and understand each other rather than confront.
Addressing Economic Challenges
Mujahid said the Taliban has banned poppy cultivation, processing and smuggling, which affected the world, but instead of recognition, some countries have continued sanctions and non-cooperation. He stressed that the main solution is to remove unilateral and multilateral sanctions, provide development aid, and allow Afghanistan to utilize its capacities without restrictions to revive the economy.
Establishing Bilateral Relations
Mujahid noted that the Taliban has the commitment and capacity to establish and maintain relations with regional countries, and he hopes Western countries will also prioritize mutual interests and take steps towards positive engagement. He outlined key objectives for the Doha meeting, including the removal of all restrictions and sanctions, and the unfreezing of Afghanistan’s foreign reserves.
