KABUL, Afghanistan -- The newly-formed administration of Afghanistan has welcomed the United States' recent measure allowing the flow of humanitarian assistance to the Asian country, the country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Sunday.
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan (IEA) welcomes recent decision by U.S. Treasury Department allowing U.S. government agencies along with international and non-governmental organizations and banks to facilitate the flow of food and medicine to the IEA," Abdul Qahar Balkhi, the ministry's spokesman, said in a statement.
Afghanistan hoped all countries including the United States and international organizations will continue to establish and enhance ties with the Afghan government, and to continue providing humanitarian assistance to the Afghan people, he added.
Amir Khan Muttaqi, acting foreign minister of Taliban caretaker government, on Thursday said that Afghanistan wants to have friendly relations with the international community, including the neighboring and regional countries.
On Friday, the United States issued general licenses, allowing the U.S. government, NGOs and certain international organizations to engage in transactions that are necessary to provide humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.
Earlier this month, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the possibility of a complete economic collapse in Afghanistan was "serious," highlighting an urgent need for funding support to Afghans.
He also appealed to the countries pledging 1.2 billion U.S. dollars in relief for Afghanistan to take action quickly.
Besides, Taliban authorities have vowed that the aid will reach those in need in a completely transparent manner.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) of the Taliban caretaker government also welcomed on Sunday Pakistan's decision on exempting Afghan traders from paying sales tax on fresh fruit.
"As a result of efforts by MoFA of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan and through negotiations and agreement aimed at resolving issues of fresh fruit export, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan has exempted previously levied 17 percent sales tax on fresh fruit exports from Afghanistan effective Sept. 24, 2021," spokesman Balkhi said in a statement.
He said land-locked Afghanistan has welcomed "this decision and calls for increased trade and transit, and further facilitation between the two countries." Afghan traders also welcomed the measure, describing Pakistan as a good market for Afghan fruit, calling upon the government to facilitate the export of their fruit to the neighboring country.