Former US special representative for Afghanistan reconciliation, Zalmay Khalilzad, warned on Wednesday that turning back on Afghanistan would be a mistake, adding that the Doha Agreement can be the basis for Donald Trump administration's engagement with the Islamic Emirate.

Speaking at the Global and National Security Institute in the University of South Florida, Khalilzad emphasized that the United States considers its interests in Afghanistan. He added that the issues in this regard include prisoners, terrorism, weapons, competition with other superpowers, and resources.

“My judgment would be turning our back is a mistake, would not be prudent, would not be wise, and revenge for what happened would not be a good motive to shape the policy. It should be future-oriented as to what serves US interests, and engagement would be necessary in my view,” Khalilzad said.

The former US diplomat said that the biggest challenge is whether “we can get Afghans to get to agree to anything together.”

He also said that there are alternative ways to engage with the Islamic Emirate in the light of the new circumstances and the assessment by the Trump administration of US interests, US objectives, and US grand strategy.

Khalilzad warned that the Islamic Emirate's refusal to form an inclusive government is a mistake and will create problems.

This comes as the Islamic Emirate has repeatedly claimed that it is committed to the Doha Agreement and that the current government in Afghanistan is inclusive.

The Islamic Emirate’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said Wednesday that the Islamic Emirate is committed to freedom of media and their activities within the framework of Islamic principles.

In his meeting with officials from several media outlets and supporting organizations, Mujahid stressed the need for increased cooperation between government institutions and the media.

He said that the IEA is working to create a better environment for media activities in the country.

The Government Media and Information Center reported that media officials shared some existing issues regarding access to information with the spokesperson of the IEA and requested solutions to these challenges.

Deputy Prime Minister for Economic Affairs Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar said Wednesday that the Islamic Emirate prioritizes poverty reduction and job opportunities.

Addressing the National Conference on Microfinance Opportunities and Challenge”, Baradar stated that beneficiaries of microfinance initiatives include needy Afghans, traders, and small business owners, and that working with these groups is a shared goal of the IEA and the international community.

Participants at the conference included members of the cabinet, representatives from the UN, the EU, the World Bank country director to Afghanistan, ambassadors to Kabul, officials from international and domestic organizations, and a number of investors and businesspeople.