Taliban Deputy Prime Minister: Neither Eastern nor Western, We Are Neutral

Taliban Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi stated that Afghanistan maintains a policy of neutrality, declaring, "We do not act with the East against the West, nor with the West against the East." He emphasized that Afghanistan is an "independent and neutral" country.

Addressing tensions with Pakistan, Hanafi said that "with war and intervention, no achievement except loss and damage will be obtained." He urged neighboring countries not to "see your prosperity in our destruction" and called for relations based on a "win-win" principle rather than "win and loss." Hanafi affirmed that the Taliban "have no problem with any of the neighbors," do not interfere in other countries' internal affairs, and will not allow Afghan soil to be used against others.

Pakistan has repeatedly accused the Taliban of permitting its armed opponents to operate from Afghan territory, claiming increased insecurity in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa since the Taliban's 2021 return to power. The Taliban have denied these accusations.

Hanafi noted the Taliban's close relations with China, Russia, and Iran over the past three years, with these countries supporting the Taliban in international forums like the UN Security Council. Russia has recognized the Taliban administration, and Iran has elevated ties with Kabul, while Western countries maintain no official relations.

Reflecting on the 20-year war with the United States and NATO, Hanafi described it as "part of our history" and invited Western countries to return for investments in various economic sectors. He stressed that Taliban policy is "economy-oriented," focused on development and attracting investment.

However, observers assess that Afghanistan's investment environment remains unviable due to Taliban actions. A recent UN Development Program report cited banking restrictions, weak infrastructure, instability, and low bank account ownership—only 6% of the population—as deterrents to investors.