القائم بأعمال وزير الخارجية الأفغاني للجزيرة: نسعى إلى إقامة علاقات إيجابية مع جميع الدول

Summary

In this interview, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan, discusses the nation's current political and security situation. He highlights Afghanistan's stable governance, the positive diplomatic relations with countries like Qatar and Russia, and the progress made since the Taliban's rise to power. Muttaqi addresses ongoing challenges, including the lifting of sanctions and the improvement of economic relations with neighboring countries. He emphasizes Afghanistan's balanced foreign policy and its efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region, despite ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan.

Takeaways

• 😀 Afghanistan's Acting Foreign Minister, Amir Khan Muttaqi, discusses the ongoing political and security improvements in Afghanistan after decades of conflict.
• 😀 The visit to Doha was made in response to an official invitation from Qatar, aimed at enhancing Afghanistan's relationships and investment opportunities.
• 😀 Afghanistan now enjoys a unified central government, marking a significant shift from the previous decades of fragmentation and internal conflict.
• 😀 The security situation in Afghanistan is described as stable, with citizens feeling increasingly confident in the government and its political processes.
• 😀 Afghanistan has expanded its diplomatic representation to 41 countries, with active embassies and consulates, and growing political, commercial, and diplomatic ties.
• 😀 Despite the progress in diplomatic relations, there are ongoing challenges with the U.S., including unfulfilled commitments under the Doha agreement, such as the release of prisoners and removal of names from sanction lists.
• 😀 The Taliban government seeks a balanced foreign policy, aiming to establish strong relationships with neighboring countries, as well as global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China.
• 😀 The relationship with the U.S. is a key focus, with hopes for improved cooperation, particularly in economic and political domains, despite differences on issues like Palestinian support.
• 😀 The lifting of sanctions on Afghanistan and the restoration of frozen assets are crucial for the country’s economic recovery and stability, with calls for an end to unjust sanctions.
• 😀 Afghanistan’s foreign policy is marked by neutrality and balance, avoiding involvement in conflicts between major powers, and seeking to be a regional hub for trade and cooperation.
• 😀 While relations with Pakistan and India remain tense, Afghanistan aims to maintain diplomatic ties with both and hopes to avoid regional conflicts that could disrupt stability.

Q & A

What was the purpose of Amir Khan Muttaqi's visit to Doha?

The visit was made in response to an official invitation from the State of Qatar, with the goal of strengthening relations between Afghanistan and Qatar. It provided an opportunity for Qatar to invest in Afghanistan and enhance cooperation across various sectors, including investment, trade, politics, and culture.

What role does Qatar play in the Afghan peace process and Afghanistan's international relations?

Qatar has played a significant and positive role in Afghanistan’s diplomatic efforts, hosting the Afghan political office and facilitating negotiations with the United States. Moving forward, Afghanistan looks to Qatar to continue supporting economic, political, and cultural ties, especially in the wake of a new period of stability.

How would you describe the current political and security situation in Afghanistan?

Afghanistan is experiencing its first unified central government in 45 years. The country has reached an unprecedented level of security, with stability lasting for months. The political environment is also improving, with citizens increasingly confident in their government and engaging in political life.

How successful has Afghanistan been in gaining international recognition?

Afghanistan has made significant strides, with diplomatic representation now established in 41 countries. Afghan embassies and consulates have been opened, and several international embassies in Kabul remain operational. Afghanistan has also expanded its trade relationships and political ties during these four years.

What is the status of Afghanistan’s relationship with the United States?

Afghanistan has an agreement with the United States, which has been mostly fulfilled on Afghanistan's side, such as the withdrawal of foreign troops. However, some commitments from the U.S. remain unfulfilled, including the release of Afghan prisoners and removal of Taliban leaders from blacklists. Despite differences, Afghanistan hopes for further cooperation with the U.S.

Has the Biden administration's approach to Afghanistan differed from the Trump administration's?

The agreement with the U.S. was signed during Donald Trump’s presidency, and direct communications with the U.S. began with the arrival of Trump's administration. The Afghan government hopes that this relationship will continue to develop positively, though it acknowledges that progress depends on both parties' willingness to take practical steps forward.

What are the key points of contention between Afghanistan and the United States?

Afghanistan urges the U.S. to understand the reality of the situation on the ground, particularly in relation to security and the non-use of Afghan soil against other countries. While there are differences, particularly regarding the U.S.'s stance on issues like Palestine, Afghanistan remains open to dialogue and hopes to build better relations.

What is Afghanistan's stance on international sanctions, and how are they affecting the country?

Afghanistan views the sanctions as unjust and harmful to the Afghan people. The freezing of Afghanistan's assets and trade restrictions are seen as violations of the country’s rights. The Afghan government calls for the removal of these sanctions to allow legitimate economic activity and improve the country's development.

How is Afghanistan navigating its relations with regional powers such as Russia and China?

Afghanistan seeks to maintain a balanced foreign policy and develop positive relations with all nations, including Russia and China. The country benefits from its strategic location in Central Asia and aims to become a regional transit hub. Afghanistan appreciates Russia’s recent decision to remove the Taliban from its list of banned groups, which facilitates enhanced cooperation.

What internal challenges does Afghanistan face as it moves towards a more stable future?

Afghanistan faces numerous challenges, including the need for significant infrastructure development, such as roads, airports, and energy. While the security situation has improved, the country must address its growing population’s demands for these services. Progress is being made, but substantial time and resources are required to fully overcome these obstacles.