Taliban Deputy PM Calls for Mutual Respect in Relations with World and Neighbors

Mawlawi Abdul Salam Hanafi, the administrative deputy prime minister of the Taliban administration, declared in his Eid prayer sermon at the Arg Palace that the administration seeks to establish “good and mutually respectful” relations with countries worldwide, regionally, and with neighboring states. He also emphasized that the Taliban administration does not interfere in the internal affairs of other countries.

Hanafi stated that if Afghanistan’s territory is violated, defending and responding would be regarded as their “religious right.” These remarks come as the Taliban administration, since regaining power, remains unrecognized by many countries and Afghanistan’s official relations with the international community are limited.

The deputy prime minister further added that the Taliban believe in resolving problems peacefully and stressed that the country can be rebuilt through unity and brotherhood. However, critics have repeatedly argued that achieving national unity requires participation of all ethnic groups and political factions in governance and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.

In another part of his speech, Hanafi called on Afghan citizens, both inside and outside the country, to support widows, orphans, refugees, and needy families during the Eid days. Afghanistan has faced an economic crisis and rising poverty levels in recent years, with many residents across various provinces struggling with livelihood challenges.