The Islamic Emirate, while reaffirming its commitment to peaceful policies and friendly relations, has once again called on neighboring countries not to interfere in Afghanistan’s internal matters.

Abdul Salam Hanafi, the Administrative Deputy of the Prime Minister, stated in a program in Kabul that tensions benefit none of the neighboring countries.

He said: “It is natural that if someone interferes in Afghanistan’s internal affairs, then it is Afghanistan’s legitimate, religious, and international right to defend itself. If someone throws a stone at us, we are compelled—if not to throw a stone back, then at least a clod of earth. The better the relations, the more beneficial it is for neighboring countries. That is why the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan always supports this peaceful policy and the policy of friendly relations.”

Although some countries have initiated diplomatic relations with the Islamic Emirate over the past year, no country has yet officially recognized its interim government.

“Afghanistan should be an economy-centered geography, and its foreign policy should be economy-oriented. Afghanistan’s geography should serve as a connecting point, which is why all regional countries have established and will continue to establish friendly relations with Afghanistan,” Fazl Rahman Oria, a political analyst, told TOLOnews.

This comes as relations between Kabul and Islamabad have fluctuated since the Islamic Emirate came to power in Afghanistan. Over the past year, due to various issues—including terrorism and refugees—these relations have further deteriorated.