“America should have only a diplomatic presence in Kabul,” Mujahid said, according to Afghan television station TOLONews. “We have communication channels with them and we expect them to reopen their embassy in Kabul and we also want to have trade relations with them.”

The television station — which is headquartered in Taliban-controlled Kabul — quoted local residents agreeing with Mujahid, including one who called diplomacy “a principle aspect” of government and said the Taliban “must be committed” to it.