Taliban call ties with the United States a “national necessity”

The Taliban say Afghanistan cannot do without diplomatic and economic relations with the United States as Kabul works to expand international ties and gain wider recognition.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the main spokesperson for the Taliban authorities, described the relationship with Washington as a “national necessity” while presenting his administration’s achievements for the lunar year from June 2025 to June 2026.

“Afghanistan needs diplomatic relations with the United States, as well as economic relations. Mutual engagement and reciprocal benefit are part of our national needs,” Mujahid said. He added that the Islamic Emirate’s policy was to maintain contact with every country and pointed to diplomatic efforts to establish positive relations with Washington, which he described as a key country in the modern world.

The comments came as Kabul sought stronger regional and global connections despite lacking broad international recognition. Mujahid cited Russia’s recognition of the Taliban authorities last year as a major diplomatic achievement. He also highlighted the opening or activation of missions in Kuwait and Germany, including embassies in Kuwait and Berlin and a consulate general in Bonn.

Mujahid said Afghanistan had officially participated in the Moscow Format, with the Taliban foreign minister attending its seventh meeting, and that Afghan officials made 93 official visits abroad during the year. He also pointed to growing trade with neighboring countries and India. Afghanistan exported goods worth $773 million to India, while Indian imports reached $2.066 billion. He thanked New Delhi for donating about 20 ambulances and other medical equipment to Afghan health institutions.

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Afghanistan needs diplomatic relations with the United States, as well as economic relations. Mutual engagement and reciprocal benefit are part of our national needs.