Government welcomes President Putin’s remarks

KABUL (Pajhwok): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) welcomed Russian President Vladimir Putin’s remarks on the recognition of the Taliban government and unfreezing of Afghanistan’s reserves.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi, spokesman for the ministry, tweeted: “IEA welcomes comments by President Putin that insulting Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is not an expression of artistic freedom.”

A day earlier, the Russian leader denounced such act as a violation of religious freedom and sacred sentiments of Muslims.”

The spokesman said: “IEA also welcomes Putin’s comments that his country will move forward with regard to recognition of the new Afghan government,”

Kabul also hailed Putin’s call for unblocking of the Afghan central bank’s assets by the United States and its allies.”

The US has frozen nearly $10 billion in Afghanistan’s asset, leaving Afghanis in a dire economic situation.

At an annual press conference on Thursday, Putin stressed the need to help Afghans in the current situation and called for the release of its frozen assets.

sa/mud