Taliban Supports Azerbaijan’s Territorial Integrity, Says Group’s Spokesperson

Zabihullah Mujahid, Taliban’s spokesperson, said that the group attaches immense importance to the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and supports it.

Azerbaijan and Armenia have been engaged in a long-standing conflict over the Nagorno-Karabakh region. The most recent exchange of gunfire between the two sides occurred last Saturday.

In an interview with CBC Azerbaijan TV, Mujahid stressed that the group supports Azerbaijan in the issue of territorial integrity.

In this interview, a part of which was aired on Friday, he said that the issue of territorial integrity is extremely important for the Taliban, "I think it is as important as it is for Azerbaijan”.

Forces of Azerbaijan and Armenia had been involved in a six-week armed conflict in 2020 that left 6,500 dead. The tension between both countries has caused Russia to mediate between the two sides often.

Three years ago, both countries agreed on a ceasefire with the meditation of Moscow. However, tensions between both the countries continue.

In an interview with Politico, Nikol Pashinyan, the Armenian Prime Minister on September 13, said that there is a possibility of escalation of tensions with Azerbaijan, and so, their forces should return to the bases.

The Taliban spokesperson told CBC Azerbaijan that the group is ready to cooperate with Azerbaijan. He added that they want the embassy of Azerbaijan in Kabul to begin operations and have Taliban representatives accepted in Baku.

Mujahid promised to ensure the security of the Azerbaijani embassy in Afghanistan and said, "We are prepared to create the necessary conditions and carry out appropriate measures."