Zalmay Khalilzad, former US special representative for peace in Afghanistan, has urged the interim government officials to be ready for discussions with the new US administration.
Khalilzad also said that normalizing relations between the Islamic Emirate and the international community would benefit both sides.
The former US special representative for peace in Afghanistan said: “Afghanistan is naturally an important issue, and the Taliban must be ready if there are discussions with the new US government about important matters, which will definitely happen. What is their perspective, and what are they willing to do to ensure normal and good relations between the Taliban, Afghanistan, and the US as a responsible member of the international community?”
Khalilzad also expressed hope that with the arrival of the new US government, relations between Kabul and Washington would improve.
He further said: “Normalizing Afghanistan’s relationship with the world is a positive step for the Afghan people and the Taliban. It will help improve the economic situation, allow Afghans to access education, attract more investments, and ensure the presence of embassies in Afghanistan.”
The former US special representative also emphasized education as a right for women and girls in the country and urged the interim Afghan government to pay serious attention to this issue in order to integrate into the international community.
He said: “To the level of deputy ministers, they have stated that education, even up to a doctoral degree, is the right of Afghan women and men. For several years, they have been saying, ‘Be patient, things will improve.’ But instead of improving, things are getting worse.”
Zalmay Khalilzad, on the sidelines of the 22nd Doha Forum, also stated that the interim government must respond to the legitimate demands of Afghan citizens in various sectors