Red Cross Official Meets Taliban Representative in Norway to Discuss Humanitarian Aid to Afghanistan

Håkon Jakob Røtting, Head of External Relations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), met with Najibullah Shaheen, the Taliban administration’s representative in Norway, to discuss the continuation of humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

The Taliban administration’s embassy in Norway stated that the talks focused on how to provide necessary aid to Afghans returning to their country and on improving coordination with relevant organizations inside Afghanistan. According to the embassy, both sides emphasized strengthening cooperation and increasing coordination.

However, the Norwegian Red Cross has not yet officially commented on the details of this meeting or its practical outcomes, raising questions about transparency regarding the level and nature of cooperation with the Taliban administration.

With millions in Afghanistan urgently needing humanitarian aid, ensuring transparent and equitable distribution of assistance and guaranteeing access for the most vulnerable groups, including returnees, remain key concerns for international aid organizations.