UN Delegation Meets Taliban Governor in Baghlan to Discuss Reconstruction and Economic Cooperation
Scott Smith, head of the political section at the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), met with Mawlawi Abdul Rahman Haqqani, the Taliban-appointed governor of Baghlan province, to reaffirm continued support for reconstruction and development projects in the region.
According to an official statement released by the governor’s office, UNAMA pledged to cooperate in various sectors in Baghlan, including agriculture, healthcare, industry, and social services. It was also stated that the concerns and demands of local residents would be conveyed to relevant international bodies through UNAMA.
The UNAMA political chief noted that although the agency’s local office in Baghlan has been closed, the province remains under the jurisdiction of its northern regional office based in Balkh province. He added that efforts are ongoing to secure additional support, particularly in mitigating the impacts of climate change and aiding vulnerable areas.
The governor of Baghlan expressed gratitude for the United Nations’ support and claimed that the necessary conditions for implementing development projects are in place. He called for increased assistance from the international community and assured that the Taliban-led local administration in Baghlan is ready to cooperate fully with UNAMA in all areas.
This meeting comes as many international organizations have either scaled back or completely halted operations in various Afghan provinces following the Taliban’s return to power. Limited access to development and humanitarian services, as well as a lack of transparency in local governance, remain major concerns in provinces like Baghlan.
