I think, perhaps we should content ourselves with the word friend to cover all those who are not enemies...foes...as I believe that portrays the original meaning of the word. We have bandied the word around, as we do, in such a way, as to convert the meaning to our own social/moral/ethnic/personal/familial...etc etc....cause.
I have a best friend who is female(I am male) but I have a best mate who is male..Why the difference?? Probably our culture encourages it.
SO!!! I believe all are are friends who are not our enemies..albeit to differing degrees, from "Best friend" to "distant friend" or acquaintance. Well it does make life easy to think in this way and I like an easy life.
Be Blessed.