Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaki said that the Taliban had managed to establish balanced political relations with the United States and others, stressing the movement's success in stabilizing security, and denied the existence of internal divisions, calling on the opposition to dialogue.
During a meeting with Al-Jazeera as part of the "Today's Meeting" program, Mottaki said that the Afghan government has good and balanced relations with the United States, and it also has official relations with more than 16 countries, calling on the United States to release the frozen funds and recognize the right of the Afghan people, as he put it.
The minister explained that the Taliban was under great pressure, and that the movement was able to restore security throughout Afghanistan.
"We have integrated Taliban fighters into the security and intelligence forces and are seeking to form a strong army," Mottaki said.
Mottaki also explained that the Taliban issued a general amnesty for all those who took up arms against them in the past, or worked in the previous Afghan government, and that there are former officials working in government positions now.
The Afghan foreign minister added that the Taliban's policy is balanced and is trying to unite all Afghan parties, and called on the opposition to return to Afghanistan, and said that a special committee had been formed to communicate with the opposition.
The Afghan foreign minister denied the existence of any divisions within the Taliban movement, and said that they are rumors that have been repeated for 20 years.
With regard to the situation of Afghan women, Mottaki said that more than 14,000 women work in the health sector, and 92,000 in the field of education and other sectors.
Afghan Foreign Minister: We call on the United States to release our frozen funds and recognize the right of the Afghan people (Al-Jazeera)
Today, August 15, marks the first anniversary of the Taliban's entry into the capital, Kabul, after nearly 20 years of fighting against foreign and Afghan forces.
The new Afghan government is facing many difficulties, the most important of which is the lack of recognition by the international community, in addition to economic and social challenges.
Victory memory
On the other hand, elements of the Taliban celebrated today near the former headquarters of the US embassy in Kabul, to celebrate the one-year anniversary of the movement's return to power in Afghanistan.
"It is the day of victory and happiness for Afghan Muslims and the Afghan people. It is the day of conquest and victory of the white flag," government spokesman Bilal Karimi wrote on Twitter.
Ahmad Shah Massoud Square in the capital was decorated with large white flags, and Taliban supporters in the square chanted "Long live the Islamic Emirate."
With the exception of declaring Monday an official holiday, no official ceremonies were announced to commemorate the anniversary, but state television indicated that it would broadcast special programs.