Arab News Japan

TOKYO: The Taliban regime in Afghanistan hopes to strengthen relations with Japan to obtain support for the development of Afghanistan’s infrastructure and industry, Deputy Minister of Economy Latif Nazari told Kyodo News in Kabul on Saturday.

“The interim regime is hoping for a stronger relationship with Japan,” Nazari said, adding that support from Japan would “improve living standards for the Afghan people.”

As with many other countries, Japan does not officially recognize the Taliban as Afghanistan’s government, largely due to its repressive policies against women.

Nazari, who was part of a delegation that visited Japan in February, said the regime’s intention is “not to completely exclude women from social participation.”

“Women are working in places such as the Ministry of Education, airport and even the police,” he said.

The Japanese Foreign Ministry has said it has urged the Taliban to respect human rights and “reflect the voice of the Afghan people.”

Nazari said the Taliban regime wants to build amicable relations with the major powers, suggesting it is time for the United States to “move forward” and end a freeze on Afghanistan’s foreign assets, which has served as a drag on the economy. Earlier this year, the Taliban freed three Americans who had been detained in Afghanistan.

Nazari says the Taliban pursues a balanced diplomacy which “does not attach weight to certain countries,” adding, “If anyone tries to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, territorial integrity and sovereignty, we will react strongly against them.”

The United States completed its withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan shortly after the Taliban regained control in August 2021, bringing an end to two decades of war triggered by the terror attacks on America in 2001.