Taliban Spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid has announced that Chinese assistance will build the foundation of Afghan development and the country will be Afghanistan’s ‘main partner’. 

“China will be our main partner and represents a great opportunity for us because it is ready to invest in our country and support reconstruction efforts,” Zabihullah Mujahid had said in an interview published by Italian newspaper La Repubblica on Wednesday.

He further said that the Taliban value China’s Belt and Road Initiative as the project “will revive the ancient Silk Road.” China will be our gateway to international markets, he added.

There are “rich copper mines in the country, which, thanks to the Chinese, can be put back into operation and modernised. In addition, China is our pass to markets all over the world.” The Taliban also view Russia as an important partner in the region and will maintain good relations with Moscow, he added.

Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on Aug 15

The Taliban seized power in Afghanistan on August 15, two weeks before the US was set to complete its troop withdrawal after a costly two-decade war.

The insurgents stormed across the country, capturing all major cities in a matter of days, as Afghan security forces trained and equipped by the US and its allies melted away.

Taliban has recently stressed that it wants good ties with all countries, including India, and vowed not to allow Afghan soil to be used against any other country.

“We desire good ties with all countries, including India, which is an important part of the region. Our desire is that India devises its policy as per the interests of Afghan people,” the Taliban Spokesperson had said.