A senior member of the Taliban in Afghanistan has spoken about their plans to boost ties with other nations. Acting Commerce and Industry Minister Haji Nooruddin Azizi also brushed off doubts about the interim government's human rights record.

NHK interviewed Azizi on Sunday in Kabul.

He slammed the United States and other western nations for imposing economic sanctions on Afghanistan. They accuse the Taliban of restricting women's access to both education and work.

He said, "I believe there are no human rights issues here, or gender discrimination. And I don't see any obstacles for recognizing Afghanistan as a country."

Azizi also took aim at Japan for joining the chorus of criticism.

But he praised Moscow and Beijing for strengthening ties with the Taliban, including the development of natural resources in Afghanistan.

The interim government recently announced plans to join an economic forum of the BRICS emerging economies later this month. The group includes Russia and China.

Azizi said, "The world is moving toward BRICS programs day by day. And we are also considering what is best for our country."