Taliban "We Want to Be Recognized as a Legitimate Government Worldwide... Hope for Economic Cooperation with Korea"

"Rich in Minerals like Lithium... Potential for Cooperation with Korea"
Avoided Answering Past Issues of Korean Killings

[Image source=EPA Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] The Afghan armed faction Taliban has expressed its hope to be recognized as the legitimate representative government by the world and also wishes for economic cooperation with South Korea through rare earth resources and other means. This is interpreted as a move to break diplomatic isolation through swift recognition and regime establishment by the international community.

On the 23rd, Abdul Kahar Balkhi, an official belonging to the Taliban's external propaganda organization, the Cultural Commission, stated in a text message interview with Yonhap News Agency, "We hope to be recognized as the legitimate representative government of Afghanistan not only by South Korea but by the entire world." Balkhi is known to have sat right next to spokesman Mujahid during his first official press conference on the 17th and assists the spokesman.

Balkhi emphasized, "The Afghan people have gained self-determination after a long-lasting fight and great sacrifices to free themselves from foreign domination," and added, "We hope the South Korean government will build a strong relationship with Afghanistan's future government." He further stated, "Afghanistan is rich in untouched mineral resources such as lithium," and "South Korea, as a world leader in the electronics manufacturing sector, can cooperate with Afghanistan for mutual benefit," expressing a desire for future economic cooperation.

According to foreign media such as CNBC, the value of minerals buried throughout Afghanistan?including iron, copper, gold, rare earth elements, and lithium used in rechargeable batteries?is estimated to reach $1 trillion (approximately 1,170 trillion KRW). Balkhi added, "We want to meet South Korean leaders and businesspeople and strongly hope to strengthen economic and human exchanges."

When asked whether they would apologize for the troubled history with South Korea, Balkhi responded, "At that time, our country was occupied by foreign troops," and avoided giving an apology by saying, "It is urgent to look to the future rather than live in the past." Previously, the Taliban killed the late Sergeant Yoon Jang-ho of the South Korean military stationed at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan in 2007 through a bomb attack, and in the same year, kidnapped 23 volunteers from Saemmul Church in Bundang, killing two of them.

Regarding locals who face travel restrictions and safety threats due to having worked for South Korean-related organizations in the past, Balkhi said, "We have issued amnesty orders to all who worked with foreigners," and added, "We want them to stay and contribute to the country's development, but if they wish to leave, that will be their choice."

When asked if they have exchanges with North Korea, the answer was "No," and when questioned about having cruel punishment systems such as wrist amputation, Balkhi emphasized, "Our laws are derived from the sacred religion."

Despite the Taliban presenting various conciliatory measures such as human rights and inclusive government formation, foreign media reports indicate that brutal acts and chaos, including shootings at protesters, continue in many places. Balkhi dismissed these reports as fabricated and asserted, "Women will have all rights within the Islamic system, including education, healthcare, and employment."

Regarding the formation of the new government, Balkhi stated, "Consultations for forming an inclusive government are underway," and emphasized, "We respect all universal human rights within the Islamic legal system and will faithfully observe all international norms."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.