Taliban deputy prime minister for economic affairs, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, says Afghanistan has entered a new phase in safeguarding its independence, security, and national values, and that the international community should create conditions for principled political and economic engagement with the Taliban.
Baradar made the remarks at a ceremony marking Afghanistan’s Independence Day. He said Afghans should be provided with the opportunity to live in freedom and brotherhood, and claimed that Afghanistan’s national sovereignty and territorial integrity are not facing any serious threat under Taliban rule.
He said that Afghanistan’s national values have been preserved under the Taliban government and that the country does not make its decisions based on the directives or wishes of others.
Mullah Baradar also opposed any return to civil war, saying that the Afghan people are no longer willing to accept a repetition of the country’s wars. He stressed that the experience of past conflicts should remain a dark chapter in Afghanistan’s history.
Addressing Afghanistan’s economic situation, the Taliban’s Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs said that a number of major national and economic projects are currently underway and that efforts are being made to create employment opportunities for the people.
Baradar called on Afghans to support the Taliban’s national economic projects and cooperate with the administration to promote the country’s economic growth.
He also urged the international community to refrain from interfering in Afghanistan’s affairs and to take steps toward political and economic engagement with the Taliban. According to him, engagement with the Taliban is not only in Afghanistan’s interest but is also important for regional and global security and economic development.
Mullah Baradar said the Taliban are prepared for regional and international cooperation and have “clear definitions” in this regard. He called on the international community not to fear formal political engagement with the Taliban and to use the opportunity to promote regional stability and economic cooperation.
On the occasion of Independence Day, he congratulated all Afghans and called for prayers for those who were killed or sacrificed their lives for Afghanistan’s independence. In these remarks, however, he did not mention King Amanullah Khan or his achievements in Afghanistan’s historic struggle to gain independence.
Writer:Saeed Sameer
