EU Representative Urges De-escalation Between Kabul and Islamabad and Protection of Civilians

Gilles Bertrand, the European Union’s special representative for Afghanistan, concluded his five-day visit to Kabul by stating that the security situation in Afghanistan and the region was discussed in meetings with Taliban officials, United Nations representatives, the diplomatic community, and civil society activists. According to a statement released today (Wednesday) by the European Union, these discussions also touched upon public order in Afghanistan. Several parties noted improvements in public order in recent years. However, the EU special representative raised Brussels’ serious concerns regarding the continued presence and cross-border activities of several terrorist groups with regional reach. The talks also addressed the Taliban administration’s claimed progress in combating the ISIS-Khorasan branch. The European Union simultaneously warned that the potential expansion of certain terrorist groups remains a serious threat to the stability of Afghanistan and the region. Another part of these meetings focused on recent tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Bertrand emphasized the necessity of reducing tensions, exercising restraint, and protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure by both sides. He also stated that the European Union has called on Afghanistan and Pakistan to resume dialogue on their shared security concerns, an action that could help prevent further instability in the region.