Five years after the withdrawal of US forces from Afghanistan, Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi has called on Washington to reopen its embassy in Kabul and deepen diplomatic and economic engagement with the country.

The appeal includes potential US investment in Afghanistan’s mineral resources and infrastructure.

Muttaqi made the comments in an interview with The New York Times, arguing that Afghanistan wants a new relationship with the United States based on mutual respect. He said the period of war between the two countries had ended and called for Washington to restore a diplomatic presence in Kabul.

According to The Khaama Press News Agency, he also urged the US to consider investment in Afghanistan’s mines, dams and roads.

The appeal comes as the Taliban authorities seek to reduce Afghanistan’s international isolation and strengthen diplomatic and economic ties with foreign governments.

In recent years, Kabul has developed closer relations with Russia, Uzbekistan and other regional countries. It has also pursued greater economic cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

Muttaqi ruled out any return of US troops to Afghanistan. He said Afghans would not accept another foreign military presence in the country.

Afghanistan’s mineral resources are a potential area for foreign investment. Michael Kugelman of the Atlantic Council said the country’s mineral wealth could be of interest to the Trump administration, particularly given its focus on economic and strategic interests.

The US spent nearly $1bn between 2004 and 2021 on efforts to develop Afghanistan’s mining sector. A US government watchdog later concluded that the investment had produced limited tangible results.

Since the US withdrawal, Afghanistan has sought investment from other countries. The Taliban authorities have signed mining and investment agreements involving companies from China, Iran and Qatar.

Former US diplomat Robin Raphel said renewed American engagement could potentially give Washington greater access to Afghanistan’s mineral resources while strengthening its ties with Central Asia.

She cautioned, however, that deeper engagement would probably require a US diplomatic presence in Kabul. Such a move remains politically difficult in Washington.