Amir Khan Muttaqi, the Taliban’s foreign minister, rejected recent remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that China has established a presence at the Bagram Air Base, saying that no foreign troops are stationed anywhere in Afghanistan.
“There is not a single foreign soldier on Afghan soil,” Muttaqi said during a session with Taliban diplomats in Kabul on Sunday. “We do not accept foreign military presence in any corner of our territory. Let Mr. Trump and other countries hear this clearly.”
His comments came in response to Trump’s recent claims that China may have gained access to the Bagram base, once the largest American military installation in Afghanistan. Muttaqi dismissed the allegation as baseless, questioning how such statements could be made in an age of advanced global surveillance.
“In today’s world of high technology, how can such inaccurate claims be made?” he said. “Even talking about military presence is unacceptable to us. Our interactions are political, diplomatic and economic — not military.”
Muttaqi also emphasized the Taliban’s desire for “positive engagement” with the international community, including the United States and other Western nations that have yet to formally recognize the Taliban-led government.
“We want constructive relations with all countries, including the U.S.,” he said. “We seek diplomacy and positive engagement.”
Responding to the International Criminal Court’s recent decision to issue arrest warrants for senior Taliban leaders, including their chief justice, Muttaqi condemned the move.
“We strongly denounce these decisions,” he said. “Afghanistan does not recognize the foundations or jurisdiction under which these rulings are made. They are neither enforceable nor legitimate in our eyes.”
He also welcomed recent move by Moscow to recognize the Taliban administration, calling Russia’s stance a “positive development.”
“We are grateful for this step by Russia,” Muttaqi said. “We call on other countries, especially in the region with which we have good relations, to follow suit.”
Turning to the growing crisis of Afghan migrants being deported from neighboring countries, Muttaqi urged Iranian authorities to conduct removals gradually and humanely.
“This situation is troubling,” he said. “I have consistently asked Iranian officials to carry out any deportations in a phased manner, not all at once. There must be proper preparation for their return.”
