The Minister of National Defense says that in the area of strengthening security in Afghanistan, they do not need anyone’s assistance and seek relations with all neighboring, regional, and global countries based on mutual respect.
On the occasion of the 26th of Dalwah (which coincides with the date of the withdrawal of former Soviet forces from Afghanistan), Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqub addressed a gathering and stated that no country faces any threat from Afghanistan or the current system, and that they expect the same intention from others.
He added that the doors of engagement are open to all countries, including those that invaded Afghanistan and targeted its people, and that they seek relations with them in line with their national interests.
The Minister of National Defense, Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid, said: “You should also let the Afghans have a government and system that stands on its own feet, so they can live for some time without these problems and difficulties. Even to those countries that invaded Afghanistan, committed atrocities here, occupied the country, and martyred our people, we still convey this message: we want to have good economic and political relations with you, considering our interests and national benefits.”
Mr. Mujahid further stated that the current Afghan system harbors no ill intent toward any country and does not wish for Afghan territory to be used against any other nation.
He also criticized certain groups and countries in the region, noting that even today, some intelligence networks and countries do not want peace in Afghanistan or a strong system in the country.
He urged the public to refrain from providing shelter to suspicious individuals or enemies of the country, keeping in mind the goals of these malicious groups.
Mawlawi Mohammad Yaqub Mujahid said: “You see, many intelligence networks and countries do not want Afghans to remain peaceful. They see their security in Afghanistan’s instability. They seek their strength and empowerment from Afghanistan’s weakness; so do not give such people the opportunity to disrupt your security for foreign objectives and kill your Afghan brothers.”
During the ceremony marking the 37th anniversary of the withdrawal of former Soviet forces, speakers also referred to the twenty-year occupation, emphasizing that Afghans never bowed to any invasion or aggression, regardless of its name.
Minister of Hajj and Religious Affairs, Noor Mohammad Saqib, in his remarks, pointed to ongoing mischief by some regional groups and warned that Afghans should not be tested.
He said: “Every invasion of Afghanistan has been imposed on us without our fault or sin. Even now, we tell all countries: if any country or force threatens us, they should not; they should not look for excuses or pretexts against us, because our people have tasted the benefits of jihad.”
Former Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan by land and air on 6th of Jadiee 1358 (Dec 1979), overthrew the regime of Hafizullah Amin in Kabul, and installed Babrak Karmal as the new president.
The Soviet forces remained in Afghanistan for nine years. During this period, their armies suffered heavy losses in lives and equipment, and considering these losses, they withdrew from Afghanistan on 26th of Dalwah 1366 (Feb 15, 1988).
