Blinken: US Ready to Work with Taliban

"Going forward, any engagement with the Taliban-led government in Kabul will be driven by one thing only, our vital national interests," he stated, adding that, if Washington can work with the new Afghan government in a way that would correspond to Washington’s national interests, then it will be done, TASS reported.

The Taliban aspires for international recognition and support, the top US diplomat noted, stating that legitimacy and support must be "earned".

The secretary of state noted that the US will make conclusions about the Taliban based on its actions, not statements. He reiterated that the Taliban must ensure freedom of movement, respect the basic rights of Afghan citizens, including women and minorities, not take revenge on citizens who used to work for other states, and form an inclusive government.

Afghanistan has achieved full independence now that the US withdrawal is complete, Taliban Spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid stated in his Twitter Monday.

"The last US soldier left the Kabul Airport today midnight, and our country has finally become free and has gained full independence," he tweeted.

Mohammad Naeem, Spokesman of the Taliban political office in Qatar, congratulated the people of Afghanistan with the end of foreign military presence in their country.

"Congratulations to all our people, all our fighters. Today, all foreign forces left our sacred land," he tweeted.

Earlier, US Central Command head General Kenneth McKenzie confirmed that the US withdrew its forces from Afghanistan and completed the evacuation of civilians, marking the end of US military mission in the republic, which lasted since September 11, 2001.