The Taliban want German Chancellor Angela Merkel to visit Afghanistan, saying there is a “special place” for the country.
In an interview published Monday by German newspaper Bild, Taliban spokesman Zabiullah Mujahid said the group “would really welcome” Merkel to Afghanistan.
“We want to have a powerful and totally safe environment here in Afghanistan, which will be accepted by all the countries of the world and in which the world leaders will believe. They should visit our country and there will certainly be a special place for to Angela Merkel, ”he said.
The Taliban official stressed that strong relations with Germany were in the interest of Afghanistan.
“We want, first of all, a good relationship with Germany. The Islamic Emirate (Taliban government) will be the desired government of the Afghans and we want the German government to have the best possible diplomatic relationship with the new government,” Mujahid said. dit.
“Secondly, we want Germany to support us and help us in humanitarian sectors that the German government can support. In addition, we need them to help us in the health sector, we need them in the education sector and we need them. to help us in the infrastructure sector. We believe that the German government can really help us, “he added.
Although Berlin has not yet recognized the new Afghan government, it has expressed its willingness to provide humanitarian aid to the war-torn country.
Germany has closed the embassy in Kabul since the Taliban took office on August 15 and moved Ambassador Markus Potzel to the Qatari capital, Doha.
However, the Merkel government has maintained diplomatic contact with the Taliban.
Foreign Minister Heiko Maas recently said Germany could reopen its mission in Kabul “if it were politically possible and if the security situation allows it.”
The Merkel government has focused mainly on evacuating more eligible Afghans from the country, where thousands of locals working for German ministries and political institutions are waiting for an exit.