The Taliban have called on the US and other global powers not to waste time in recognising their government in Afghanistan, warning that failure to do so would have major problems and consequences not only for the country, but the world at large.

“Our message to America is, if the un-recognition continues, Afghan problems continue, it is the problem of the region and could turn into a problem for the world,” said Zabihullah Mujahid, the deputy minister of Information and Culture, during a press conference in Kabul.