KABUL, 04 September 2021, (TON): According to a spokesperson for the group “China will be the Taliban’s “main partner” and help rebuild Afghanistan.”

Zabihullah Mujahid said in an interview published by Italian newspaper La Repubblica “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.”

He said “the Taliban value China’s Belt and Road Initiative as the project will revive the ancient Silk Road.”

He said “China will also help Afghanistan fully utilise its rich copper resources and give the country a path into global markets.”

He added “the Taliban also view Russia as an important partner in the region and will maintain good relations with Moscow.

Speaking about the Kabul airport, Mujahid said the facility is fully under Taliban control but has been seriously damaged.

He told the Italian publication “Qatar and Turkey are leading efforts to resume operations at the airport.”

He said “the airport should be clean within the next three days and will be rebuilt in a short time. I hope it will be operational again in September.”

On relations with Italy, Mujahid said the Taliban hope Italy will recognize their government and reopen its embassy in Kabul.